Is there a reason for concern among Swiss residents regarding the spread of the chikungunya virus?
The Chikungunya virus, an infectious disease primarily transmitted to humans via certain species of mosquitoes, is currently spreading globally [1][3]. As of December 2024, the virus has been detected in 119 countries, putting 5.6 billion people at risk [3].
The disease, whose name in Makonde language means "that which bends up" or "that which contorts", was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 but didn't circulate widely until the 2000s [4]. The virus is mainly transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, the same species that spread the dengue and Zika viruses [4].
In Europe, transmission has been driven by Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are established in the southern and central parts of mainland EU and are expanding in their geographic distribution [1]. Although the pathogen is not yet native to Central Europe, it has only been introduced by travellers so far [1]. However, there has been a case not too far from the Swiss border, around 100 kilometres from Basel [1].
Mosquito and other pest species that are native to warmer climates are moving further north due to climate change, increasing the risk that diseases like Chikungunya will become endemic in Central Europe [1]. This is a cause for concern, as the joint pain caused by Chikungunya can be very severe and may last for months or even years, although most people recover within a week [1].
The symptoms of Chikungunya typically manifest as a sudden rise in high fever, severe joint pain, and headaches [1]. In many cases, an infection causes no or very mild symptoms [1]. Other possible symptoms include muscle pain, joint swelling, and a rash [1].
To protect against Chikungunya, the best course of action is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. This can be achieved by using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers, and reducing tiger mosquito breeding grounds [1]. Travelers from affected regions should also monitor their health and report symptoms early, as airports in high-risk areas are increasing surveillance [2][4].
Recently, Chikungunya vaccines have been approved for use in the United States and European Union, which can help in prevention [4]. However, wide vaccination coverage is still limited [4]. The World Health Organization has called for urgent coordinated action to prevent a global epidemic repeating the scale of outbreaks seen in 2004-2005 [1][3][5].
Since 2007, mosquito-borne transmission of the disease has been reported in mainland Europe on six occasions, all in Italy and France [1]. There is no person-to-person transmission of Chikungunya, but there are reports of the virus being passed on during pregnancy [1]. Symptoms usually appear seven to nine days (in rare cases three to 12 days) after being bitten by an infected mosquito [1].
As of this year, 30 chikungunya infections have been seen among travellers returning to Switzerland, which is slightly more than double the number in the same period last year [1]. The Swiss government has been monitoring the mosquito since 2013 [1].
In conclusion, the Chikungunya virus poses a significant threat to global health, particularly in regions where the disease-carrying mosquitoes are prevalent. It is crucial for individuals to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and for governments to implement measures to control mosquito populations and prevent the spread of the virus.
References:
[1] World Health Organization. (2025). Chikungunya. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/chikungunya#tab=tab_1
[2] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2025). Chikungunya. Retrieved from https://ecdc.europa.eu/en/disease-chikungunya
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Chikungunya. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/
[4] National Health Service. (2025). Chikungunya. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chikungunya/
[5] World Health Organization. (2015). WHO calls for urgent coordinated action to prevent a global epidemic of chikungunya. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/23-07-2015-who-calls-for-urgent-coordinated-action-to-prevent-a-global-epidemic-of-chikungunya
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