Skip to main content
ukiyo journal - 日本と世界をつなぐ新しいニュースメディア Logo
  • All Articles
  • 🗒️ Register
  • 🔑 Login
    • 日本語
    • 中文
    • Español
    • Français
    • 한국어
    • Deutsch
    • ภาษาไทย
    • हिंदी
Cookie Usage

We use cookies to improve our services and optimize user experience. Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy for more information.

Cookie Settings

You can configure detailed settings for cookie usage.

Essential Cookies

Cookies necessary for basic site functionality. These cannot be disabled.

Analytics Cookies

Cookies used to analyze site usage and improve our services.

Marketing Cookies

Cookies used to display personalized advertisements.

Functional Cookies

Cookies that provide functionality such as user settings and language selection.

The Threat of Chikungunya Fever Looms: Community Transmission in Europe, Taiwan Issues Travel Warning — The Expanding Frontline of Chikungunya

The Threat of Chikungunya Fever Looms: Community Transmission in Europe, Taiwan Issues Travel Warning — The Expanding Frontline of Chikungunya

2025年07月24日 02:05

1. WHO's "Early Alarm"

"History is repeating itself," Dr. Diana Rojas-Alvarez, WHO's arbovirus officer, emphasized at a press conference in Geneva. The global spread of Chikungunya fever, which infected approximately 500,000 people in 2004-05, is seeing a resurgence. A large-scale outbreak has been confirmed from January to June this year in the island nations and regions of the Indian Ocean, which were the epicenter of the previous outbreak. On Réunion Island, the estimated infection rate has reached **33%**, followed by Mauritius and Mayotte. 


2. 119 Countries and 5.6 Billion People at Potential Risk

According to WHO, Chikungunya fever has already been detected in 119 countries, with **about 70% of the world's population (5.6 billion people)** living in areas overlapping with the distribution of the mosquito or outbreak regions. In Europe, 12 cases of community transmission, where individuals were infected by mosquito bites near their homes, have been reported in southern France, and suspected cases have emerged in Italy. Dr. Ebizo (a hospital physician residing in Nice, France) has urged on social media to "raise alert levels before the summer vacation crowds surge." 


3. Pathogen and Vector: Day-Biting "Tiger Mosquitoes"

The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) belongs to the Alphavirus genus of the Togaviridae family, and its primary vectors, the daytime-active **Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus**, also carry dengue and Zika viruses, making them "triple carriers." With global warming, the northward spread of Aedes albopictus is advancing, and its summer settlement in central and eastern Europe is being confirmed. WHO's document analyzes that "climate change expands the distribution of vector mosquitoes and increases urban density." 


4. Symptoms and Sequelae: Less than 1% Fatality Rate but Persistent Joint Pain

The typical incubation period is 2-8 days. High fever, rash, and severe polyarthritis occur suddenly, and in some cases, chronic joint pain persists for several months to years. WHO warns, "Severe cases are rare, but if the population size reaches millions, even 'less than 1%' can result in a significant number of deaths." A Japanese man in his 40s living in Madagascar shared his experience: "Even after six months, my knees hurt. Just standing up from a chair makes me scream." 


5. Vaccine Development and Challenges: Approved but "Caution for the Elderly"

In November last year, the European Medicines Agency approved the world's first Chikungunya vaccine, "Ixchiq," but the US FDA is investigating serious adverse reactions in those over 60, and WHO states that "additional data is needed for widespread use." According to WHO's fact sheet, "There are two approved vaccines, but supply and price are challenges." 


6. Reactions on Social Media: Spread of Anxiety and Misinformation

 


  • TRT Afrika"WHO sounds the alarm. Could Chikungunya become the 'next pandemic'?" (1,200 reposts) X (formerly Twitter)

  • Global Times"Is the West discussing 'vaccine interests' over mosquito control?" (3,000 likes) X (formerly Twitter)

  • CTV NewsReports such as "Daytime-active mosquitoes cast a shadow on resort tourism" are increasing, and there is a surge in questions from travelers asking, "What's the difference from dengue?" X (formerly Twitter)


Meanwhile, misinformation such as "Chikungunya is airborne" and "Alcohol consumption can prevent it" is spreading, prompting public health authorities to expedite fact-checking.


7. Required Measures: How to Utilize "Lessons from COVID"

  1. Strengthening Early Surveillance: Expand PCR testing for imported cases and establish a monitoring network for travelers' fever clinics.

  2. Community-Based Pest Control: Empty household water tanks and buckets weekly to eliminate breeding sources.

  3. Accurate Information Dissemination: Establish an "infodemic response unit" to correct misinformation on social media in real-time.

  4. Vaccine Production System Development: Revise International Health Regulations (IHR) with a view to "joint stockpiling during peacetime."


8. Post-Interview Notes: "Where the Next Outbreak Will Be" Depends on Us

Dr. Rojas-Alvarez reiterated to the press, "We can avoid a major outbreak now." It depends not on "vaccines" or "new drugs," but on how much each community can commit to the simple yet challenging task of "not getting bitten by mosquitoes." The summer has begun, testing whether we can implement the lessons learned from COVID-19—early warning, science-based measures, and international cooperation.



Reference Articles

WHO Warns of Global Chikungunya Outbreak Risk
Source: https://business-panorama.de/news.php?newsid=6666849

← Back to Article List

Contact |  Terms of Service |  Privacy Policy |  Cookie Policy |  Cookie Settings

© Copyright ukiyo journal - 日本と世界をつなぐ新しいニュースメディア All rights reserved.