This year, 27 outbreaks of chikungunya have been recorded on the European continent, which is an unprecedented figure for this region. The first case of the disease was detected in Alsace (France), which indicates the spread of the infection in a northerly direction.
Experts note an increase in the duration and intensity of the seasons of the spread of infections in Europe, including chikungunya and the West Nile virus. The main factors contributing to this phenomenon are climate and environmental changes: an increase in average annual temperatures, an extension of the summer period, milder winters and changes in precipitation patterns.
Cases of infection with the West Nile virus are also registered in new geographical locations. In 2025, the first cases of infection were detected in the Italian provinces of Latina and Frosinone, as well as in the Romanian county of Salaj. Epidemiologists note the largest outbreak in the past three years and predict a peak in the incidence in August-September.
According to ECDC Director General Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Europe is experiencing a "new phase in which large-scale and intense spread of mosquito-borne diseases is becoming commonplace."
The organization insists on the need to step up preventive measures, expand mosquito control measures and strengthen personal protection. Residents of risk areas, especially children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, are advised to use repellents, wear clothing that covers the body as much as possible and install mosquito nets.
New vaccines are being developed to prevent chikungunya fever. At the same time, there are no effective drugs for the treatment of West Nile virus in humans, although they are already used in veterinary practice. According to patent information, one of the experimental vaccines was developed on the basis of recombinant fowlpox viruses (NYVAC or MVA), which express prM, M and E proteins of the virus, and is intended to protect horses, dogs, cats, cattle, pigs and birds. There are also commercial vaccines on the market, such as West Nile-Innovator® Vaccine (Fort Dodge), Prevenile (Intervet), and Recombitek (Merial).
Earlier, virologist Altshtein named the main symptoms of chikugunya fever.