WHO Prequalifies Two Rapid COVID-19 Tests
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported significant global chikungunya activity. As of December 10, over 500,000 chikungunya cases have been reported worldwide, with around 300,000 occurring in the Americas alone.
Chikungunya Risk Assessment
The WHO has classified the risk of chikungunya infection as moderate globally. This assessment is based on widespread outbreaks in multiple regions, particularly during the 2025 season. Infections are occurring even in areas where transmission was previously low or absent.
Factors contributing to this resurgence include:
- Presence of Aedes mosquito vectors
- Limited immunity in populations
- Favorable environmental conditions
- Increased human mobility
Current Global Statistics
As of now, there have been 502,264 reported chikungunya cases globally. This includes:
- 208,335 confirmed cases
- 293,929 suspected cases
- Reported deaths: 186
The Americas have been heavily affected, recording 291,451 cases and 141 deaths. Southeast Asia follows with 115,985 cases but no reported deaths. Other regions, including Europe, Western Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, have also reported cases but at lesser rates.
| Region | Cases | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Americas | 291,451 | 141 |
| Southeast Asia | 115,985 | 0 |
| Europe | 56,986 | 43 |
| Western Pacific | 34,035 | 2 |
| Africa | 2,211 | 0 |
| Middle East | 1,596 | 0 |
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Chikungunya is primarily found in tropical and subtropical areas. Symptoms include sudden fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, and rash. Critically, joint pain can last for months or even years, leading to long-term disability.
While the overall fatality rate for chikungunya is low compared to other arboviruses, severe illness is a concern, especially for:
- Newborns
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- The elderly
- Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension
Brazil is notably the most affected country, accounting for 84% of the cases and 82% of the deaths in the Americas, with 243,915 reported cases and 116 deaths.
As outbreaks continue, monitoring and management strategies are essential to mitigate the impact of chikungunya globally.
