(Illustration photo: REUTERS)

An estimated 5.6 billion people in 119 countries are at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain, and long-term disability. The 2004-2005 epidemic affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, as it spread around the world.

The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands that were previously hit. The virus is now spreading to countries like Madagascar, Somalia, Kenya, and India. Particularly concerning is an increasing number of imported cases and local transmission in Europe. According to the WHO, 800 cases of imported Chikungunya have been detected in France since May 1.

The disease, caused by the Chikungunya virus, spread mainly by the Aedes mosquito, currently has no specific treatment.