Has Chikungunya Become Endemic Along the French Riviera

Since the beginning of 2025 and as of early December 2025, two countries in Europe have reported travel-related and locally acquired cases of chikungunya virus disease: France and Italy.

In France, the Health Ministry has reported 45 deaths linked to chikungunya. Among these deaths, 2 were neonatal patients.

As of December 3, 2025, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's Epidemiological summary for week #49 indicates that the cumulative number of locally acquired cases in France is 788, with three clusters currently active.

The largest cluster is located in Antibes, part of the popular Côte d'Azur, where millions of vacationers visit annually. The Ministry's overall concern is that this mosquito-transmitted virus may have become endemic along the French Riviera since 2010.

As of December 11, 2025, the U.S. CDC advises international travelers to consult a travel vaccine expert about immunization options before visiting France.

The CDC recommends vaccination for travelers visiting an area with an active chikungunya outbreak. 

In the United States, travel clinics offer commercial chikungunya vaccination services.