186 Chikungunya Associated Fatalities Confirmed in 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced updated figures on the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreak, revealing a significant resurgence in 2025 with 502,264 reported cases, including 208,335 confirmed cases and 186 associated deaths.

As of December 29, 2025, this Rapid Risk Assessment says WHO regions have seen declines in cases compared to 2024, others are experiencing sharp increases, and the mosquito-transmitted virus is emerging in previously unaffected populations.

This uneven pattern makes it challenging to assess the overall global trend, but points to localized outbreaks and resurgences in specific areas.

The Region of the Americas recorded the highest number of confirmed cases, closely followed by the European Region, where the majority stem from French Overseas Departments in the Indian Ocean.

The WHO warns that the risk of further geographic spread remains high as infected travelers can introduce the virus to new areas, where local transmission can establish if competent Aedes mosquitoes are present.

In the United States, the leading states reporting travel-related chikungunya cases include southeast Florida (250) and Texas (6).

WHO advises travelers to affected areas to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and consider preventive measures such as vaccination.

Previously, the U.S. CDC has issued Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions, Travel Health Notices focused on chikungunya outbreaks in China, Cuba, and France's overseas departments.

As of December 30, 2025, two chikungunya vaccines are available globally, including in the USA at travel clinics.