Over 500,000 Cases of Chikungunya Reported Globally in 2025; 186 Deaths Recorded
**Islamabad:** According to the latest report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday, as of December 10, 2025, approximately 502,264 cases of chikungunya have been reported worldwide, resulting in 186 deaths.
WHO has classified the global risk of chikungunya infection as moderate, citing widespread outbreaks during the 2025 season in regions where the disease was previously rare or absent. The emergence of cases in new geographical areas has been linked to the presence of Aedes mosquitoes, limited population immunity, favorable environmental conditions, and increased human mobility.
Chikungunya is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Common symptoms include sudden fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headache, and rash. In some cases, joint pain may persist for months or years, increasing the risk of long-term disability.
**Global Breakdown of Cases:**
* **Confirmed Cases:** 208,335
* **Suspected Cases:** 209,929
* **Affected Countries/Regions:** 41
* **Deaths:** 186
**Regional Summary:**
* **Americas:** 291,451 cases, 141 deaths (Brazil alone reported 243,915 cases and 116 deaths)
* **Southeast Asia:** 115,985 cases, 0 deaths
* **Europe:** 56,986 cases, 43 deaths
* **Western Pacific:** 34,035 cases, 2 deaths
* **Africa:** 2,211 cases, 0 deaths
* **Middle East:** 1,596 cases, 0 deaths
While the overall mortality rate of chikungunya is lower compared to other arboviruses, WHO warns that severe illness and complications may occur, particularly among newborns, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.
WHO continues to urge countries to strengthen surveillance, vector control, and public awareness to curb the spread of the disease.
