European health centers warn of chikungunya virus.

Arabian Sea Newspaper - Special

European health authorities have warned travelers about the risk of contracting the chikungunya virus following reported cases in France and Italy. France recorded 30 cases this year on its mainland and in Corsica, while Italy reported only one case, according to The Independent. The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed growing concern and issued new guidelines for healthcare providers on how to manage infected individuals. Diana Rojas Alvarez, a WHO doctor, told reporters in Geneva that about 5.6 billion people live in areas at risk of infection in 119 countries. The Independent reported that European health officials warned travelers about the virus, while Britain approved a new chikungunya vaccine. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) stated that dengue and chikungunya viruses reached Europe through travelers infected outside the continent, who then transmitted the virus to European countries where the mosquito capable of transmitting the infection is present. The center explained that the risk of local transmission of chikungunya and dengue viruses is increasing. What is the chikungunya virus? Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Most cases are concentrated in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, with Brazil leading with over 141,000 cases, followed by Argentina with over 2,500 cases in 2025 so far, according to The Independent. In total, about 220,000 chikungunya cases and 80 related deaths have been recorded in 14 countries since the beginning of the year. The French islands of La Réunion and Mayotte, off the east coast of Africa, experienced widespread outbreaks, with the former recording 51,000 cases by May 2025. What are the symptoms of the virus? According to The Independent, "chikungunya" means "that which bends over," referring to the stooped posture of those suffering from severe joint pain. The word is derived from the Makonde language of Tanzania, where the virus was first discovered in the 1950s. Those infected experience joint pain, sudden fever, joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Most infected individuals recover fully, but in rare cases, complications in the eyes, heart, or nervous system may occur, especially in newborns and the elderly with chronic diseases. Upon recovery, a person gains immunity against further infection. Is there a vaccine for the chikungunya virus? The British government recently approved vaccines against the virus, according to The Independent. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to attack the virus. The vaccine requires a prescription and is given to those planning to travel to areas where chikungunya is prevalent. Last month, the British government temporarily restricted the use of the vaccine to those over 65 as a precautionary measure. To prevent mosquito bites, the WHO recommends using insecticides, wearing clothes that cover the entire body, and installing nets on windows and doors.