The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about the growing spread of the chikungunya virus, now reported in 119 countries, putting 5.5 million people at risk. Transmitted by mosquitoes, chikungunya causes high fever, severe joint pain, and long-term fatigue, with about 40% of patients facing lasting disability. While rarely fatal, it can be life-threatening in severe cases.
As of mid-July 2025, the Americas report the highest number of cases, with Brazil leading at over 185,000. The current outbreak began in early 2025 in Indian Ocean islands like La Reunion, where a third of the population is infected, and has since spread to parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.
Although two vaccines exist, they are mainly for travelers. WHO is working with countries to boost testing, train health workers, monitor outbreaks, and is planning a new advisory group for global prevention and control strategies.
Credit: CGTN
You can listen to the programs organized by MI Radio on Google Podcast, Apple Podcast and Spotify.
You can download MI Radio application on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
