Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease, has seen a disturbing rise in prevalence across various regions globally, leading to significant health and economic consequences. Recent research published in BMJ Global Health highlights the alarming trajectory of chikungunya outbreaks, attributing the surge to factors such as globalization, urbanization, and climate change. These factors have contributed to the disease’s spread, affecting millions and incurring nearly $50 billion in healthcare and disability-related costs across 110 countries between 2011 and 2020.
The first recorded outbreak of chikungunya was in Tanzania in 1952, but the past two decades have witnessed a dramatic expansion of the disease’s reach. The primary vectors of chikungunya, the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, have thrived in new geographic areas, posing threats to both developed and developing nations. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, severe joint pain, rash, and fatigue. While many cases resolve on their own, chikungunya can lead to more serious complications affecting the neurological and cardiovascular systems, sometimes resulting in death. Additionally, some individuals may experience long-term debilitating conditions like chronic joint pain, which can severely impact their quality of life.
Latin America and the Caribbean have been particularly hard hit by chikungunya. The researchers noted that the true prevalence of the disease is likely underestimated due to factors such as misdiagnosis, inadequate testing infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare. To better understand the impact of chikungunya, the research team analyzed data from various reputable sources, including the Programme for Monitoring Emerging Diseases, local health ministries, the Pan American Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization’s CHOICE program.
The analysis revealed that nearly 15 million chikungunya infections were reported in Latin America and the Caribbean alone, with Brazil (3.2 million cases), the Dominican Republic (2.7 million), and French Polynesia (1.6 million) documenting the highest numbers. In contrast, Central and Eastern Europe, along with Central Asia, reported only 202 cases across six countries, primarily attributed to travel from endemic areas.
Globally, it is estimated that approximately 13,000 people have died from chikungunya infections, with the number of deaths ranging between 2,242 and 336,286. The peak of chikungunya cases occurred in 2014, with an estimated 8.7 million cases reported during outbreaks in the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, French Polynesia, French Guiana, and several other islands.
The economic burden of chikungunya is staggering, with an estimated total cost of $50 billion incurred over the studied period. This figure encompasses both direct costs, such as testing, hospitalizations, outpatient care, and medications, as well as indirect costs resulting from the inability of patients and caregivers to work. The analysis also estimated the loss of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to chikungunya, totaling approximately 1.95 million years lost, which translates to an average annual loss of 195,000 years. Notably, 76% of these DALYs stemmed from chronic conditions, while the remaining 24% were attributed to acute illness.
As chikungunya continues to spread, the implications for public health and economic stability become increasingly severe. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, improved healthcare access, and effective public health interventions to mitigate the impact of chikungunya and protect vulnerable populations from its debilitating effects.
