Chikungunya Virus Spreads Across Europe Due to Climate Change

An excruciatingly painful tropical disease, chikungunya, is now being transmitted by mosquitoes across much of Europe, according to a recent study. Rising temperatures linked to the climate crisis are expanding the range and duration of potential transmission, raising concerns for public health officials.

What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV). The name originates from a word in the Kimakonde language of Tanzania, meaning “that which bends up,” describing the contorted posture of those suffering from the severe joint pain the disease causes [World Health Organization]. First detected in 1952 in Tanzania, chikungunya was historically confined to tropical regions, with millions of infections occurring annually [World Health Organization].

How is it Spread?

The virus is spread to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito) [Wikipedia]. These mosquitoes bite during the day, particularly around dawn and dusk. The virus can also be transmitted from an infected person to a mosquito, allowing the virus to replicate within the mosquito without harming it [Wikipedia].

Europe’s Rising Risk

Higher temperatures are extending the period during which chikungunya transmission is possible. A study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface found that the minimum temperature required for transmission is between 13°C and 14°C, lower than previous estimates [The Guardian]. This means:

• Parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece could be at risk of transmission for more than six months per year.
• Several Central and Western European countries are at risk for three to five months per year.
• South-east England could experience transmission for up to two months a year.

Europe is warming at approximately twice the global average, accelerating the northward spread of these mosquito species [The Guardian].

Symptoms and Severity

Chikungunya symptoms are similar to those of dengue and Zika, including:

• Fever
• Severe joint pain (often debilitating)
• Joint swelling
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Rash

While severe symptoms and fatalities are rare, they can occur in young babies and elderly individuals with pre-existing health conditions [World Health Organization]. The joint pain can be prolonged, lasting for months or even years in some cases [World Health Organization].

Outbreaks and Current Situation

Large-scale outbreaks of chikungunya occurred in France and Italy in 2025, with hundreds of cases reported [The Guardian]. A small number of cases have been reported in over 10 European countries in recent years.

Prevention and Treatment

Currently, there are two chikungunya vaccines that have received regulatory approvals in several countries, but they are not yet widely available [World Health Organization]. The most effective preventative measures include:

• Mosquito control
• Avoiding mosquito bites (using repellents, wearing protective clothing, etc.)

There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya virus infections. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms with antipyretic and analgesic medications, such as paracetamol, for fever and pain [World Health Organization].

Looking Ahead

Scientists warn that without strengthened mosquito control measures, the risk of chikungunya outbreaks will continue to increase as temperatures rise. Public health officials emphasize the importance of preventing mosquito breeding and avoiding bites as the most effective forms of protection.