Chikungunya virus in Italy: WHO raises global risk

After West Nile, another virus is appearing in Italy: the Chikungunya virus. The alarm comes from the World Health Organization, which last Tuesday spoke of "global risks."

At least 5.6 billion people live in potentially at-risk areas. History appears to be repeating itself after the 2004-2005 epidemic . This would be a new wave of the virus that had already brought over half a million people worldwide to their knees.

The new wave of Chikungunya

The Chikungunya virus is already known. It's not something new, but a new wave of a virus capable of putting billions of people at risk. The wave began in 2025 in Reunion Island, where a third of the population was infected.

Cases have also been reported in Madagascar, Somalia, Kenya, and Southeast Asia. Cases have also been reported in India and Europe, including France and Italy . Since May 1st, approximately 800 imported cases have been reported in France, but 12 outbreaks are internally transmitted, meaning they originated from people who have never set foot in the high-risk tropical areas.

The cases in France

In Europe, the highest number of cases is in France, where at least 800 imported cases were identified between May 1 and July 22, 2025. Twelve cases are autochthonous, including six in the Hérault department (five in the municipality of Castries) and one in the Gard department.

For those traveling to France this summer, it's good to know that there are some areas where recorded cases are concentrated:

• Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur;
• Corsica;
• Occitania;
• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

It is possible that other cases have not been recorded and it is advisable to be vigilant throughout the territory.

Patient zero in Italy

Some cases of Chikungunya virus have also been reported in Italy . This has raised the alarm. One case has been identified in the municipality of Bentivoglio , while another suspected case in the same area concerns a person who recently returned from travel.

Preventive and emergency tiger mosquito control procedures have also been activated in the Bologna area following a suspected case of chikungunya fever. This person was a resident of the municipality of Rovigo , and an emergency ordinance has been issued for the area.

WHO guidelines

To address the new viruses circulating in Europe, the WHO has developed guidelines. It is important to consider how climate change is increasing the circulation of mosquitoes in European regions, bringing with it a range of pathogens. This is not only due to the advancing tropical-subtropical climate, but also to population growth, increased travel, and urbanization.

The guidelines therefore advise caution against mosquito bites and the symptoms that follow. Elderly patients, as well as newborns, are at greater risk and should be monitored. Symptoms are not easy to identify, as they include fever, joint pain, headache, nausea, and general fatigue—all conditions common to other viruses or difficult to identify in young or frail individuals.