The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised a global alert regarding the resurgence of the chikungunya virus, which is now spreading rapidly across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Originating in tropical regions, the mosquito-borne virus is now infecting people in France, Italy, and Germany, with over 800 imported cases and dozens of locally transmitted infections already confirmed in 2025.

Chikungunya, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, causes fever, rashes, and intense joint pain that can last for weeks or even years. Although rarely fatal, the virus can infect up to 75% of a community during an outbreak, potentially impacting millions.

Experts blame climate change and mosquito adaptation for the virus's expansion into temperate zones. WHO has called for urgent, coordinated action, including mosquito control, public awareness, and disease surveillance. So far, no antiviral treatment exists, and vaccine availability is limited and under review for older populations.

This outbreak marks a critical public health moment, emphasizing the need for early detection, community-level intervention, and international cooperation to stop chikungunya before it escalates into a full-blown pandemic.