Chikungunya Fever: Virus Spreading in Indian Ocean Islands Threatening Billions of Lives
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The World Health Organization has announced that France and Italy have reported locally transmitted cases of the Chikungunya virus, warning of the global spread of the virus, putting the lives of around 5.6 billion people at risk.
The organization mentioned that Europe continues to monitor imported cases linked to the virus outbreak in the Indian Ocean islands, noting that France has already recorded local infections, while suspected local cases have been identified in Italy.
The organization's report explained that the virus continues to spread in various regions of the Indian Ocean, affecting large numbers of populations in small islands and countries such as Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya.
South Asia is also experiencing a widespread outbreak, with India recording the largest spread of the virus in 2024, while outbreaks are currently ongoing in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
According to the World Health Organization data, Chikungunya is a relatively uncommon viral disease but has been reported in 119 countries so far.
The organization emphasizes that weakened community immunity in some areas may lead to rapid outbreaks affecting up to 75% of the population, putting significant pressure on healthcare systems.
The organization warned that anyone traveling to areas where the virus is prevalent and has not been previously infected or vaccinated may be at risk of infection through mosquito bites.
Travelers are advised to take preventive measures including using insect repellents, wearing body-covering clothing, and using bed nets in sleeping areas.
The organization noted the existence of two approved vaccines against Chikungunya in several countries or recommended for high-risk groups, although they have not yet been widely adopted.
In the same context, the Russian public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, confirmed that it is monitoring the spread of the disease in China, stating that no imported cases have been recorded in Russia and ruling out any current epidemic risk within the country.
Chikungunya fever is a viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites, causing high fever, headache, and muscle and joint pain.
Although the disease usually does not cause serious complications, it can pose a threat to the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Its natural spread regions include Africa, South Asia, Indian Ocean islands, as well as parts of Latin America such as Mexico and Guatemala.
