Is it appropriate for residents of Switzerland to be concerned about the chikungunya virus?
Chikungunya Virus Spreads Across Europe and the World
Chikungunya, an infectious disease primarily transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito, has become a global concern, with approximately 119 countries worldwide currently experiencing active transmission[1][3]. The virus, whose name roughly translates to "that which bends up" or "that which contorts" in Makonde, a language spoken by the Bantu people in southeastern Tanzania, has been on the rise since its identification in 1952[4].
The virus's main vectors are the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, with Ae. aegypti playing a dominant role in transmission[3]. The tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus, is particularly noteworthy as it has been expanding its geographic distribution, including in the southern and central parts of mainland EU[4].
Regarding Europe, there is a notable increase and northward expansion of risk, contrasting with a general global declining trend in CHIKV risk distribution under climate change scenarios[3]. Local transmission and outbreaks have occurred in European countries, including France, which reported 25 locally acquired cases in seven administrative units in 2025[5].
In Switzerland, while local transmission of CHIKV has not been established, imported travel-associated cases have been confirmed. For example, in late May and early June 2025, a chikungunya case was confirmed in Basel, Switzerland, in a traveler recently returning from Madagascar—a country experiencing outbreaks and responsible for multiple imported cases to Europe[2]. This highlights an ongoing risk of introduction via travelers.
Potential risks associated with CHIKV in Switzerland and Europe include:
- Importation of cases through travelers returning from endemic and outbreak regions, such as Madagascar and parts of Africa and Asia[2].
- The presence and gradual spread of competent vectors like Ae. albopictus mosquitoes in Europe increase the risk of local transmission if infected travelers are bitten[3].
- Climate change is expected to increase suitable habitats for these vectors in Europe, raising the potential for outbreaks even in non-tropical countries[3].
- While no widespread outbreaks in Switzerland have been documented, surveillance remains critical, especially during mosquito-active seasons.
In many cases, an infection causes no or very mild symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they typically manifest as a sudden rise in high fever, severe joint pain, and headaches. The joint pain from chikungunya can be very severe and may last for months or even years, although most people recover within a week[4].
Preventive public health measures include avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes, which can be achieved by using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers, and reducing tiger mosquito breeding grounds. Additionally, monitoring travelers and considering vaccine developments where applicable are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus[2].
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by chikungunya, it is essential to stay informed, practice preventive measures, and remain vigilant in monitoring the spread of the virus.
[1] World Health Organization. (2025). Chikungunya virus. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chikungunya-virus [2] Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. (2025). Chikungunya in Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.swisstph.ch/en/research/diseases/chikungunya.html [3] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2025). Chikungunya in Europe. Retrieved from https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/chikungunya [4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Chikungunya virus. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/index.html [5] Santé Publique France. (2025). Rapport annuel 2025 sur les maladies infectieuses notifiées en France. Retrieved from https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/jcms/c_4300872/fr/rapport-annuel-2025-sur-les-maladies-infectieuses-notifiees-en-france
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