WHO Reports Over 500,000 Chikungunya Cases Worldwide

Islamabad: According to a recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday, as of December 10, approximately 502,264 cases of chikungunya have been reported worldwide.

The WHO stated that the global risk of chikungunya infection remains moderate due to large-scale outbreaks in several regions during the 2025 season, including areas where the disease was previously rare or absent.

The report highlighted that the emergence and reappearance of cases in new geographic regions are driven by the presence of Aedes mosquitoes, limited population immunity, favorable environmental conditions, and increased human movement.

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Chikungunya primarily affects tropical and subtropical regions. Common symptoms include sudden fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headache, and rashes. In some cases, joint pain may persist for months or even years, increasing the risk of long-term disability.

According to the report, of the 502,264 cases reported globally this year:

• 208,335 were confirmed cases

• 209,929 were suspected cases

• Cases were reported in 41 countries and regions, with a total of 186 deaths globally

Regional breakdown of cases and deaths:

• Americas: 291,451 cases, 141 deaths

• Southeast Asia: 115,985 cases, 0 deaths

• Europe: 56,986 cases, 43 deaths

• Western Pacific: 34,035 cases, 2 deaths

• Africa: 2,211 cases, 0 deaths

• Middle East: 1,596 cases, 0 deaths

In the Americas, Brazil contributed 243,915 cases and 116 deaths, accounting for 84% of cases and 82% of deaths in the region.

The WHO also emphasized that although the overall mortality rate is lower compared to other arboviruses, severe disease and complications can occur, particularly in newborns, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.