Global chikungunya 2025

By Admin

31 Dec, 2025

Chikungunya continues to pose a growing public health challenge worldwide in 2025, with multiple regions reporting sustained transmission and rising case numbers. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) Rapid Risk Assessment (RRA) published this week, the virus has affected hundreds of thousands of people across continents, underscoring the need for strengthened surveillance and prevention measures.

Global Overview of Chikungunya in 2025

From 1 January to 10 December 2025, a total of 502,264 chikungunya (CHIKV) disease cases were reported globally. This includes 208,335 laboratory-confirmed cases and 186 deaths attributed to the virus. The widespread geographical distribution highlights the expanding footprint of chikungunya beyond traditionally affected regions.

African Region: Localized but Persistent Transmission

In the African region, chikungunya cases were reported from Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, and Senegal. Mauritius recorded the highest number of cases, reporting a total of 1,583 cases. Most of the locally acquired infections occurred between 15 March and 4 August 2025, indicating a defined seasonal surge in transmission.

Eastern Mediterranean Region: Limited but Notable Spread

In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, chikungunya cases were reported from Pakistan and Somalia. While the overall numbers remain lower compared to other regions, the presence of cases signals ongoing vulnerability to outbreaks, particularly in areas with favorable mosquito breeding conditions.

European Region: Local Transmission Raises Concern

In Europe, two countries France and Italy reported locally acquired cases of chikungunya disease. This development is significant as it reflects the continued expansion of mosquito-borne diseases into temperate regions, driven by climate factors and the presence of competent mosquito vectors.

French Overseas Territories: High Case Burden

The French overseas department of La Réunion experienced a major outbreak in 2025, reporting 54,555 confirmed cases and 43 deaths. In Mayotte, 1,259 locally acquired cases were recorded, including 40 hospitalizations. These figures highlight the severe impact of chikungunya in island territories with dense populations and favorable transmission conditions.

Region of the Americas: Highest Global Case Load

The Region of the Americas reported the highest number of chikungunya cases globally in 2025. A total of 291,451 cases were reported from 16 countries, including 110,039 confirmed cases and 141 deaths.

Brazil alone accounted for nearly 84 percent of all reported cases and 82 percent of deaths in the region, with 243,915 cases and 116 deaths. The scale of the outbreak in Brazil significantly influenced the overall regional burden.

South-East Asia Region: India and Thailand Lead Case Numbers

In the South-East Asia Region, more than 115,985 chikungunya cases were reported, primarily from India and Thailand. India reported 108,379 suspected cases and 4,995 confirmed cases between 1 January and 31 August 2025. The highest number of confirmed cases came from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat, indicating concentrated regional transmission within the country.

Western Pacific Region: Expanding Local Transmission

In the Western Pacific Region, chikungunya cases were reported from 11 countries, with seven reporting local transmission. China recorded a significant number of infections, reporting 29,497 locally confirmed cases. Most cases were concentrated in Guangdong province, which accounted for 25,826 cases.

Conclusion: A Growing Global Health Challenge

The global chikungunya situation in 2025 reflects a worrying trend of widespread transmission across multiple regions, including areas previously considered low risk. With increasing local transmission, climate-driven vector expansion, and high population mobility, chikungunya remains a serious global public health concern. Strengthened vector control, early detection, public awareness, and international coordination remain critical to limiting future outbreaks.