The True Post (Web News) The World Health Organization has warned that a new and potentially global epidemic of the chikungunya virus could sweep the world.
Which requires immediate action. According to the WHO, 5.6 billion people worldwide are at risk of the virus, as reported in 119 countries. “Chickenpox is not generally considered a well-known virus, but the disease causes fever and severe joint pain that often leads to disability, and in some cases it can be fatal,” said WHO expert Diana Rojas Alvarez. She recalled that a major chikungunya epidemic began in the Indian Ocean islands in 2004-2005 and later spread throughout the world, affecting millions of people. She added that since the beginning of 2025, large-scale cases of chikungunya have been reported in Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius, raising concerns similar to previous outbreaks. The WHO team is currently analyzing the situation to develop effective strategies and protect the world from another potentially deadly pandemic.
What is the chikungunya virus?
Chikungunya is a viral disease that is spread by mosquito bites. The disease can cause a person to have a high fever, severe joint pain, muscle cramps, skin rash, and fatigue. Chikungunya virus is an RNA virus that belongs to the “alphavirus” family. Its main source is the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes — the same mosquitoes that also spread dengue and Zika viruses.
How is it spread?
1. The mosquito bites an infected person
2. The same mosquito then bites a healthy person
3. The virus enters the blood and spreads throughout the body
These mosquitoes are usually more active during the day (morning and evening).
Symptoms Symptoms of chikungunya usually appear within 3 to 7 days. These symptoms include
fever, joint pain, especially in the hands, knees, feet, and elbows, muscle pain | fatigue and difficulty walking, headache | sometimes severe |
skin rash | mostly on the chest, face, or arms, fatigue Fatigue can persist for weeks after the illness
Duration and severity
Fever usually resolves within a week*, but joint pain can persist for several weeks or months. Most patients make a full recovery, but in some cases, long-term complications can occur.
Is this disease life-threatening?
In most cases, it is not a life-threatening disease, but for the elderly, pregnant women, and pre-existing medical conditions, this disease can be dangerous or fatal.
Treatment and vaccine
There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine available for chikungunya. Treatment is only symptomatic, with painkillers, paracetamol for fever, rest and plenty of fluids, and aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided until dengue is gone.
How can prevention be achieved?
Mosquito protection is the only effective method. Wear clothing that covers the body, use mosquito repellents, do not allow water to accumulate (e.g., pots, tires, tanks, etc.), use screened doors and mosquito nets.
