Chikungunya – situation globally with a focus on Europe

Chikungunya virus disease risk in Europe is rising sharply in 2025, with locally acquired cases now confirmed in both France and Italy, and record numbers of outbreaks attributed to the spread and establishment of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes as a vector in temperate zones. Worldwide, chikungunya is experiencing its largest recorded spread: over 240,000 cases and at least 90 deaths have been reported so far this year, notably with major outbreaks in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and new epicenters in China and Europe.   Europe: Expanding Risk and Outbreaks  Chikungunya is not endemic to mainland EU/EEA, but locally acquired cases have increased in 2025, including in regions of France and northern Italy, with clusters forming earlier and further north than ever before.   Europe set a record with 27 outbreaks, driven by warmer temperatures, longer mosquito seasons, and the expansion of Aedes albopictus, now present in 16 countries and over 350 regions.   Climatic changes (higher temperatures, milder...