Global increase in chikungunya now also visible in Europe
4 November 2025
A worrying development in the field of infectious diseases: chikungunya virus is re-emerging, and this time not only in tropical areas. For the first time, large local outbreaks have been reported in Italy, indicating that the disease can now also spread within Europe. At the same time, parts of Asia, Africa and South America are also seeing sharp increases in infections.
Health authorities worldwide are sounding the alarm and warning travellers of increased risk of infection by 2025.
Outbreak in Italy: hundreds of local infections
In Italy, the number of chikungunya cases has risen sharply by 2025. According to the National Institute of Public Health, there are 419 confirmed cases, about 370 of which are locally transmitted, a clear sign that the disease is now spreading within Europe. The worst affected regions are Carpi, San Prospero, Soliera and Modena, all in northern Italy. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warns that this is the largest outbreak so far in Europe. Italian authorities have issued warnings for residents and tourists, calling for increased vigilance during the mosquito season.
What is chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito). The disease causes sudden high fever, severe joint pain, headache, skin rash and fatigue. Although most people recover, the pain can last for weeks to months. First diagnosed in 1952, the disease is now found in more than 100 countries - from Southeast Asia to South America, and now increasingly in Europe.
Global spread: multiple continents affected
Although the situation in Italy is receiving a lot of attention, recent figures show that chikungunya is on the rise again worldwide. In Bangladesh, China (Guangdong), Madagascar, Cuba and the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso are currently experiencing major outbreaks, according to the National Coordination Centre for Travel Advice (LCR). Other parts of South and Central America, such as Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, thousands of new cases are reported. In the United States, the disease was largely confined to traveller cases in recent years, but the CDC again reported some infections in travellers returning from high-risk areas in November 2025.
The LCR has adjusted its vaccination advice due to this international increase. Travellers aged 12 to 64 who travel to the above countries and areas are now advised - regardless of the duration of travel - chikungunya vaccination, in addition to taking proper mosquito repellent measures. Travellers aged 65 and above are also informed of an increased risk of a more severe course of the disease.
Vaccination against chikungunya now available at Vaccination Point
Good news for travellers: an approved chikungunya vaccination is now available. This vaccination provides effective protection for people travelling to areas where the disease is prevalent. At Vaccination Point, you can now get vaccinated against chikungunya. The vaccination is safe, effective and recommended for travellers to countries in South America, the Caribbean, Asia and recently affected parts of Europe, such as northern Italy. With one shot, you are guaranteed two years of protection against the infected mosquitoes.
Note: the chikungunya vaccine is only available for travellers to countries where there is a real risk of infection. Our medical team will assess your eligibility for the vaccination during the consultation. For optimal protection, we recommend having the vaccination administered at least two weeks before departure.
This advice is based on current guidelines from the National Coordination Centre for Travel Advice (LCR).
Source: LCR Emergency Notice - 4 November 2025.
