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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