The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Tuesday that the world could be on the brink of another chikungunya epidemic, similar to the 2005 outbreak, unless swift measures are implemented to control its spread.
"Chikungunya is not a widely known disease, but it’s already circulating in 119 countries, placing 5.6 billion people at risk," Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO's team lead on arboviruses, said during a UN briefing.
The virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, causes fever, rash, and intense joint pain, which can persist for weeks and cause long-term disability in up to 40% of those infected.
Since early 2025, the virus has triggered major outbreaks across Indian Ocean islands such as La Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius, with estimates suggesting that a third of La Reunion's population may have been infected.
The virus is also spreading across Madagascar, Somalia, Kenya, and South Asia, where countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are reporting increased cases. Infections have also reached Europe, with local transmission reported in France and suspected cases in Italy.
"The pattern mirrors what we saw in 2004–2005," Rojas warned. "We must act now to avoid history repeating itself."
While case numbers are currently declining in the Indian Ocean region due to seasonal changes, WHO emphasized the importance of early detection and a rapid response to minimize infections and long-term impacts.
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Türkiye is prepared to “assume responsibility” for the security of the Black Sea once a peace agreement is signed between Russia and Ukraine, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said.
Diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing escalated as Japan slams China's export ban on dual-use goods. Markets have wobbled as fears grow over a potential rare earth embargo affecting global supply chains.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 7th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
European countries and the United States presented a united front in support of Ukraine, unveiling security guarantees backed by Washington and a detailed plan for long-term assistance contingent on a ceasefire with Russia.
Germany’s foreign intelligence service secretly monitored the telephone communications of former U.S. President Barack Obama for several years, including calls made aboard Air Force One, according to an investigation by the German newspaper Die Zeit.
Israeli media report that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a lengthy security meeting that reportedly focused on the country’s regional threats, including Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
President Ilham Aliyev said 2025 has politically closed the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, as a Trump-era reset in U.S. ties, new transport corridors and a push into AI, renewables and defence production reshape Azerbaijan’s priorities.
Protests continued into another day in Iran, with crowds returning to the streets despite mounting pressure from the authorities. By scale and spread, the unrest has entered its most significant phase so far.
Diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing escalated as Japan slams China's export ban on dual-use goods. Markets have wobbled as fears grow over a potential rare earth embargo affecting global supply chains.
An international scientific-practical congress marking the 90th anniversary of the Azerbaijan State Advanced Training Institute for Doctors named after Aziz Aliyev has opened in Baku.
China has announced plans to fully cover childbirth-related costs for families as authorities move to incentivise young couples to have more children.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday that he still hopes the U.S. administration will reconsider its decision to withdraw from the organisation next month, warning that its exit would be a loss for the world.
The United States has signed significant health cooperation agreements with Uganda and Lesotho, further strengthening bilateral relations and advancing global health initiatives, the U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday.
A viral claim circulating online that Denmark requires sperm donors to have an IQ of at least 85 is misleading. While one Danish sperm bank, Donor Network, does use an IQ threshold, there is no nationwide legal requirement for donors to meet a specific level of intelligence.
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