Latest news with #RojasAlvarez
Canada News.Net
3 days ago
- Health
- Canada News.Net
WHO raises alarm over fast-spreading chikungunya virus
GENEVA, Switzerland: Health authorities are facing a resurgence of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, with new outbreaks emerging across continents and rising infections in Europe, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue an urgent global warning. Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, said an estimated 5.6 billion people in 119 countries now live in areas at risk of chikungunya, which can lead to high fever, intense joint pain, and, in some cases, long-term disability. "We are seeing history repeating itself," Rojas Alvarez told reporters in Geneva, drawing comparisons to the 2004–2005 epidemic that began on small Indian Ocean islands and eventually spread worldwide, affecting nearly half a million people. The current wave began in early 2025, once again hitting the islands of La Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius, areas that were among the first affected two decades ago. In La Reunion alone, about one-third of the population has already been infected, she said. From the islands, the virus has moved to parts of Africa, including Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya, and is now seeing epidemic-level transmission in South and Southeast Asia, including India. The growing number of imported cases in Europe and recent evidence of local mosquito-driven transmission have especially alarmed public health officials. Since May 1, France has recorded around 800 imported cases of chikungunya. More concerning, however, are twelve episodes of local transmission in southern regions of the country, meaning infections occurred from mosquitoes within France, rather than from travel abroad. Italy has also confirmed a locally transmitted case in the past week. Chikungunya is spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, including the day-biting tiger mosquito, which also transmits other illnesses such as dengue and Zika. The virus has no specific treatment, making prevention critical. WHO urges the use of insect repellents, long-sleeved clothing, and other protective measures to reduce mosquito bites and prevent outbreaks. WHO warns that without swift and coordinated action, the world could see a repeat of the global crisis that unfolded 20 years ago.
Local Germany
5 days ago
- Health
- Local Germany
EXPLAINED: Should people in Germany be worried about the chikungunya virus?
This week WHO spokesperson Diana Rojas Alvarez told the press in Geneva that chikungunya has been detected in 119 countries around the world, including Germany, 'putting 5.6 billion people at risk.' Rojas Alvarez added that her organisation was 'sounding the alarm early so that countries can prepare in time.' The chikungunya virus is mainly transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, the same species that also spread the dengue and Zika viruses. Recent reports indicate that a person has contracted the chikungunya virus in Alsace, just a few meters from the German border. Talking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung , Hendrik Wilking, head of Gastrointestinal Infections, Zoonoses and Tropical Infections at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), said that chikungunya infections have been observed repeatedly among travellers returning to Germany and are on the rise. 'But what is worrying is that we must also expect outbreaks that are not associated with travel, even in Germany,' Wilking added. According to a report in Der Spiegel, 15 imported cases of chikungunya were registered in Baden-Württemberg alone in the first six months of 2025, a five-fold increase on the same period last year. What is chikungunya? Chikungunya is an infectious disease which is primarily transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. The most common symptoms are high fever and severe joint pain, often in the wrists, ankles, and knees. Other possible symptoms include joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, rash, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes gastrointestinal or eye symptoms. The name itself is a reference to the symtoms. In Makonde, a language spoken by the Bantu people in southeastern Tanzania, chikungungya means 'the one who walks bent over'. The joint pain can be very severe and may last for months or even years, although most people recover within a week. The disease can be life-threatening for older people and people with underlying health problems. People generally develop symptoms three to seven days after being bitten, but the incubation period can range from two to 12 days. There is no person-to-person transmission. The virus can only be transmitted by mosquito bites. Advertisement How did the virus come to Germany? The WHO's warning of an epidemic is linked to high levels of global trade and travel, as well as climate change. More tropical mosquitoes are reaching Germany via transport links, and more are able to survive in the country as a result of warmer temperatures. While the chikungunya virus originally only caused infections in tropical and subtropical regions, there have been around 800 imported chikungunya cases in neighbouring France since May – as well as 12 recorded instances of local transmission. READ ALSO: Hotels, transport and food: How the cost of travel in Germany is rising this summer Tiger and yellow fever mosquitoes, which were previously non-existent in Germany, are now widespread in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Hesse, having migrated along the main highways from southern and south-eastern Europe. Researchers identified tiger mosquito populations in the southern German states for the second time in 2012. The first time they were recorded in the country was in 2007. Mosquito and other pest species that are native to warmer climates are moving further north as weather conditions warm due to climate change, increasing the risk that diseases like chikungunya will become endemic in Central Europe. The risk of major outbreaks in Europe remains small Advertisement The risk of major outbreaks in Central Europe is not particularly high at present, however. The pathogen is not yet native to the region and has only been introduced by travellers so far. READ ALSO: The check-ups you can get in Germany with statutory health insurance Two vaccines against the virus have been approved by Germany's Standing Commission on Vaccines (STIKO). The commission currently recommends vaccination for people travelling to outbreak areas or to endemic areas repeatedly or for more than four weeks, but not for the general population.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
WHO urges action as mosquito-borne chikungunya spreads
The World Health Organisation has issued an urgent call for action to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Diana Rojas Alvarez, a WHO medical officer, told reporters in Geneva. "We are seeing history repeating itself," she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of Reunion's population has already been infected, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India. Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez said. Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the "tiger mosquito" which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing. The World Health Organisation has issued an urgent call for action to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Diana Rojas Alvarez, a WHO medical officer, told reporters in Geneva. "We are seeing history repeating itself," she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of Reunion's population has already been infected, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India. Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez said. Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the "tiger mosquito" which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing. The World Health Organisation has issued an urgent call for action to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Diana Rojas Alvarez, a WHO medical officer, told reporters in Geneva. "We are seeing history repeating itself," she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of Reunion's population has already been infected, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India. Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez said. Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the "tiger mosquito" which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing. The World Health Organisation has issued an urgent call for action to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Diana Rojas Alvarez, a WHO medical officer, told reporters in Geneva. "We are seeing history repeating itself," she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of Reunion's population has already been infected, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India. Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez said. Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the "tiger mosquito" which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
WHO raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus
The World Health Organization issued an urgent call for action on Tuesday to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, told reporters in Geneva. 4 The World Health Organization issued an urgent call for action on Tuesday to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus. boomerang11 – Advertisement 'We are seeing history repeating itself,' she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of La Reunion's population has already been infected, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India. Advertisement 4 WHO is sounding the alarm as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. monticellllo – 4 French military servicemen of the RSMA unit fighting against the Chikungunya pandemic by mosquitos operate in Saint-Benoit on April 22, 2025. AFP via Getty Images Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez said. Advertisement 4 An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus. AFP via Getty Images Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the 'tiger mosquito' which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing.
West Australian
6 days ago
- Health
- West Australian
WHO urges action as mosquito-borne chikungunya spreads
The World Health Organisation has issued an urgent call for action to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Diana Rojas Alvarez, a WHO medical officer, told reporters in Geneva. "We are seeing history repeating itself," she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of Reunion's population has already been infected, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India. Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez said. Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the "tiger mosquito" which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing.
