Chikungunya, a viral disease caused by mosquito bites, is making a comeback in various parts of the world. To spread awareness, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a notice to countries to take urgent action to prevent the spread of this disease among citizens. The experts have mentioned that this Chikungunaya disease is spreading just like it did 20 years ago. Keep reading for more details!
Rise In Chikungunya Cases In World
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease that causes severe fever and joint pain and can be deadly due to incorrect treatment. This disease is now rapidly spreading in different parts of the world and has so far affected 119 countries. Currently, 5.6 billion people are at risk. As per The Hindu report, the WHO expert Diana Rojas Alvarez has said that “this situation occurred back in 2004-2005, when chikungunya affected the people from small islands and spread to other parts of the world.”
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Since the beginning of 2025, this disease has spread in Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius, and one-third of their population has already been affected. And their nearby places like Madagascar, Kenya, and Somalia have started seeing some cases. Apart from these South Asia, France, Europe, and Italy have also witnessed the spreading of the disease.
What Causes Chikungunya, And What Are The Symptoms?
Chikungunya is caused by mosquitoes, but that doesn’t include all of them. It is spread by mosquitoes known as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. They bite during the early morning and late afternoon, and now, due to climate change, these insects are spreading in different parts of the world.
The symptoms of chikungunya are fever and joint pain, but the problem is that they are similar to other diseases. The WHO experts have stated that these diseases affect people with low immunity and can be spread easily. To prevent this situation, they have now issued an advisory notice to countries to take necessary actions. Raising awareness among citizens, the WHO has advised people to use mosquito repellents, cover their skin, and avoid contact with dirty water.
So, let’s take necessary precautions and follow the guidance to prevent the spread of this disease.
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