India is witnessing a worrying rise in chikungunya cases, prompting health experts to call for greater attention and coordinated action from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The mosquito-borne viral disease, once considered sporadic, is increasingly re-emerging as a recurring public health challenge, particularly in urban and semi-urban regions.

Chikungunya, transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, causes high fever, severe joint pain, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. While the disease is rarely fatal, its long-term impact can be debilitating. Many patients continue to suffer from chronic joint pain for months or even years, affecting productivity and quality of life.

Recent health data from multiple states indicate a steady increase in reported chikungunya infections, especially during and after the monsoon season. Experts believe climate change, unplanned urbanisation, and inadequate vector control measures are contributing to the expanding spread of the disease. Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns have created favourable conditions for mosquito breeding, extending transmission seasons beyond traditional timelines.

Public health specialists argue that chikungunya often receives less attention compared to dengue, despite sharing the same mosquito vectors. This results in under-reporting, delayed diagnosis, and limited long-term research. In many cases, chikungunya symptoms overlap with dengue and viral fever, making accurate detection challenging without proper laboratory support.

Medical experts are urging the ICMR to strengthen nationwide surveillance systems to capture real-time data on chikungunya cases. Improved data collection would help identify hotspots, track virus strains, and anticipate outbreaks more effectively. Enhanced laboratory capacity and standardised diagnostic protocols are also seen as critical to distinguishing chikungunya from other febrile illnesses.

Another key concern is the lack of targeted treatment options. Currently, chikungunya management is largely symptomatic, focusing on pain relief and supportive care. Researchers believe greater ICMR-led investment in clinical studies could accelerate the development of effective therapies and potential vaccines. Although vaccine research is underway globally, India’s large disease burden makes domestic research especially important.

The economic impact of chikungunya is another reason experts want stronger institutional focus. Extended illness and post-viral joint complications can lead to prolonged absenteeism from work, increased healthcare costs, and pressure on already stretched public health systems. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with existing health conditions, are particularly at risk.

Health authorities also stress the importance of community awareness and prevention. Eliminating stagnant water, improving waste management, and promoting early medical consultation are essential to controlling outbreaks. However, experts note that public cooperation must be supported by strong policy direction and scientific leadership from institutions like the ICMR.

As India continues to battle multiple vector-borne diseases, the resurgence of chikungunya highlights gaps in preparedness and long-term planning. Experts warn that without sustained research, surveillance, and coordinated action, chikungunya could become a persistent public health burden rather than a seasonal concern.

The rising number of cases serves as a clear signal that chikungunya requires renewed national focus — with the ICMR playing a central role in research, monitoring, and guiding evidence-based public health responses.