By Stephen Simon
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a fresh warning over the rapid spread of the chikungunya virus, saying the mosquito-borne disease is expanding into new regions and could place millions of people at risk if countries fail to strengthen surveillance and vector-control measures. Health experts say changing weather patterns, increased international travel and urbanisation have contributed to the wider spread of the virus, which is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
According to the WHO, outbreaks have been reported in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas in recent months, raising concerns that the disease could become a greater global public health challenge. Although chikungunya rarely causes death, it can trigger severe fever, debilitating joint pain, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. In some patients, especially older adults, joint pain can persist for months or even years after the initial infection. The agency warned that health systems should be prepared to identify and respond to new outbreaks before they spread widely.
Health officials explained that there is currently no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya, with medical care focused mainly on relieving symptoms such as fever and pain. The WHO therefore stressed that prevention remains the most effective strategy, urging governments to intensify mosquito-control programmes by eliminating stagnant water, spraying insecticides where necessary and educating communities about protective measures such as mosquito nets, window screens and insect repellents.
The organisation also called on countries to strengthen disease surveillance and laboratory testing to ensure early detection of cases. Public health experts noted that chikungunya symptoms can resemble those of dengue fever and the Zika virus, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment and disease monitoring. Improved reporting systems, they said, will enable authorities to detect outbreaks quickly and coordinate timely responses.
For African countries, the warning is particularly significant because many regions already contend with malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. Public health specialists say additional outbreaks of chikungunya could place further pressure on already stretched healthcare systems, particularly in rural communities where access to medical services is limited.
Nigeria is among the countries being encouraged to maintain heightened surveillance because the mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya are already present in many parts of the country. Medical experts have advised state and federal health authorities to reinforce public awareness campaigns, improve environmental sanitation and encourage residents to remove containers that collect stagnant water around homes and workplaces, thereby reducing mosquito breeding sites.
The WHO said international cooperation will be crucial in containing the spread of the virus, especially as global travel and climate change continue to increase the risk of cross-border transmission. It urged governments, healthcare providers and communities to work together to strengthen preparedness, improve surveillance and invest in preventive measures capable of reducing future outbreaks.
