Chikungunya Cases Rise But Situation Remains Under Control

The chikungunya virus is experiencing a resurgence across several regions, with a notable increase in cases appearing in the Americas, including areas that had not previously encountered the disease.

According to a World Health Organization report, there was a significant rise in chikungunya virus (CHIKV) disease in 2025. Between January 1 and September 30, 2025, 40 countries reported a total of 445,271 suspected and confirmed cases and 155 deaths globally.

The World Health Organization noted on February 20, 2026, that cases are on the rise again in the Americas, specifically in locations that have not seen the virus in the past.

Current Outbreak Zones and Travel Risks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel health notice on March 10, 2026, identifying specific areas currently experiencing outbreaks. These locations include:

• Bolivia (specifically the Cochabamba and Santa Cruz Departments)
• Cuba
• Mayotte
• Seychelles
• Suriname

The CDC recommends vaccination for travelers visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring. The agency monitors several factors to determine when to post these notices, including the number of sick people compared to historical levels and whether transmission is occurring in a new area or one that has not had cases for an extended period.

Drivers of Viral Spread

The spread of chikungunya is primarily driven by the presence of Aedes mosquitoes and susceptible human populations. The World Health Organization has identified 27 countries and territories across six regions that have established populations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes but have not yet reported autochthonous transmission.

Aedes albopictus mosquitoes can transmit the virus. The efficiency of this transmission is increased in CHIKV lineages that possess the E1 226V mutation.

Public health officials have identified several factors that heighten the risk of further spread:

• Limited population immunity in areas previously unaffected by the virus.
• Environmental conditions that are favorable for mosquito breeding.
• Increased human mobility and trade.
• Gaps in diagnostic capacity and disease surveillance.

Reports from Prothom Alo English also indicate that shifts in rainfall and heat are factors driving the surge of mosquito-borne diseases.

Global Public Health Response

The World Health Organization has stated that the distribution of cases across different regions is uneven, which makes it difficult to characterize the current situation as a uniform global rise. However, the organization warns that the potential for further spread remains significant given the ongoing outbreaks reported in 2025.

To mitigate the risk of transmission, the World Health Organization emphasizes the need for several key interventions:

• Strengthening disease surveillance.
• Enhancing the control and surveillance of mosquito vectors.
• Improving overall public health preparedness.

Efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases continue at the national level as well. On World NTD Day 2026, it was reported that Sri Lanka is strengthening its actions to end neglected tropical diseases.

Prior to 2025, autochthonous transmission of the chikungunya virus had been reported in 119 countries and territories. Because surveillance and laboratory testing practices vary greatly between countries, the CDC notes that it does not always have information on the current risk in every geographic location.