World Health Organization experts have warned against the outbreak of Chikungunya fever

World Health Organization (WHO) experts have issued an alert regarding the mosquito-borne disease Chikungunya fever, reminding all countries to be well-prepared to prevent a large-scale outbreak of the epidemic.

Xinhua News Agency reported that the head of the World Health Organization's Arbovirus Group, Alvarez, said at a press conference held in Geneva on Tuesday (July 22) that the Chikungunya virus has been detected in 119 countries and regions, with about 5.5 million people at risk of this mosquito-borne virus, and a large-scale outbreak may occur. It puts pressure on the health system.

Alvarez introduced that about 20 years ago, a large-scale outbreak of Chikungunya fever occurred in the Indian Ocean region, affecting approximately 500,000 people. Most infected people show acute symptoms such as high fever, joint pain and fatigue, and in very rare cases, they may die.

She said that since the beginning of this year, it is estimated that about one-third of the population on Reunion Island, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, has been infected with the Chikungunya virus. The Chikungunya virus has also spread in Asian countries such as India and Bangladesh. In addition, European countries such as France and Italy have recently reported imported cases and found local transmission cases.

Alvarez said that mosquitoes carrying the Chikungunya virus exist in most tropical countries. The World Health Organization is supporting member states in developing laboratory diagnostic methods, training personnel, strengthening healthcare systems, and expanding surveillance to track and control chikungunya fever outbreaks.