WHO Raises Global Alarm as Chikungunya Virus Grips Kenya: What You Need to Know

Understanding Chikungunya: A Re-emerging Threat

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes — the same vectors responsible for Dengue and Zika viruses. First identified in Tanzania in 1952, Chikungunya has re-emerged over the decades due to changing environmental and demographic factors.

Unlike dengue, Chikungunya is rarely fatal, but it causes severe and often debilitating joint pain that can last for weeks or even months. The name "Chikungunya" itself comes from the Kimakonde language, meaning "to become contorted," describing the stooped posture of patients due to severe joint pain.

The Situation in Kenya

Kenya reported its first cases of the latest outbreak in June 2025, starting in coastal counties — Mombasa and Kilifi. According to the Ministry of Health, as of July 23, 2025, more than 2,300 suspected cases have been recorded, with laboratory confirmation of over 800 infections. The number is expected to rise as rural and informal urban settlements face greater exposure due to inadequate mosquito control.

Health facilities in affected counties have reported an unusual influx of patients complaining of:

• Sudden onset fever (above 38.5°C)

• Joint swelling and pain, especially in the hands and feet

• Headache and muscle aches

• Skin rashes

• Fatigue and malaise

In rare cases, especially among the elderly or immunocompromised patients, complications such as chronic arthritis, neurological issues, or cardiac inflammation have been reported.

WHO’s Position and the Risk of a Global Outbreak

The World Health Organization has placed Chikungunya on its list of priority diseases under the 2025 “Blueprint for Emerging Infectious Diseases,” citing the virus’s potential for epidemic expansion. During a press briefing held on July 22, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, warned:

"We are witnessing a rise in Chikungunya cases in key urban centres, exacerbated by climate change, rapid urbanisation, and global travel. Kenya, Brazil, and several Asian countries are currently at the epicenter. If no action is taken, this virus may become the next global health crisis."

Factors Accelerating Spread in Kenya

Several conditions are driving the rapid transmission in Kenya:

1. Climate Change

Unusually high temperatures and erratic rainfall have expanded mosquito breeding grounds. Areas previously unaffected are now reporting active mosquito colonies.

2. Urbanization and Informal Settlements

Informal settlements in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru provide ideal breeding environments due to stagnant water, poor sanitation, and limited public health infrastructure.

3. Public Awareness Gaps

A 2024 survey by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) revealed that only 28% of respondents in high-risk counties knew how Chikungunya is transmitted or how to prevent it. This knowledge gap is contributing to unchecked spread.

4. High Population Mobility

Travel between coastal towns and major inland cities has contributed to the virus's inland expansion. Major transportation hubs lack consistent vector control mechanisms.

Government Response: Reactive or Proactive?

The Ministry of Health has activated emergency response teams across Mombasa, Kilifi, and Nairobi. Measures taken so far include:

• Distribution of mosquito nets and repellents

• Public awareness campaigns via radio, posters, and social media

• Targeted aerial insecticide spraying in known hotspots

• Recruitment of public health volunteers to assist with community outreach

However, public health advocates argue that these responses remain largely reactive, with little long-term investment in vector control, surveillance, or research.

Dr. Susan Gitau, an epidemiologist at the University of Nairobi, commented:

"We are repeating the same mistakes made during past Dengue outbreaks — waiting until numbers explode before intervening. We need a national vector control strategy."

Vaccine and Treatment Options

There is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for Chikungunya as of July 2025. Current treatment is supportive and includes rest, fluids, and paracetamol for fever and joint pain.

However, several vaccine candidates are in advanced trials:

• Valneva’s VLA1553, a single-dose live attenuated vaccine, showed promising results in Phase III trials in the U.S.

• Bharat Biotech’s BBV87, under development in India, is in late-stage trials and may seek WHO prequalification by 2026.

The WHO is urging countries, including Kenya, to consider participating in pilot vaccine deployment programs once approvals are granted.

Economic Impact and Healthcare Burden

The economic implications of the outbreak are not insignificant. According to a 2025 report by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA):

• The Chikungunya outbreak could cost Kenya up to Ksh 1.2 billion in lost productivity over three months due to missed workdays.

• Health facilities in Mombasa and Kilifi have reported a 35% increase in outpatient visits in July alone.

• Informal workers, who often rely on daily earnings, are especially hard-hit, with no sick leave protections or medical cover.

What Kenyans Can Do

To protect yourself and your family:

1. Use mosquito repellents (especially in early morning and evening)

2. Wear long-sleeved clothing

3. Sleep under treated mosquito nets

4. Eliminate standing water around your home (containers, old tires, open drains)

5. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear

The Ministry of Health has launched a toll-free hotline (719) for Chikungunya-related inquiries and has also begun tracking cases through its Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system.

Looking Ahead: Prevention Is Key

Chikungunya’s return is a stark reminder that Kenya’s fight against vector-borne diseases is far from over. With Dengue, Yellow Fever, and Malaria also co-circulating, experts warn of syndemic risks — the overlapping of multiple outbreaks in one population.

Kenya needs to:

• Strengthen its national vector control policies

• Increase budget allocations for disease surveillance

• Enhance collaboration with global health partners on vaccine readiness

Public health is not only a medical issue but also an infrastructural and governance issue.Kenya faces a critical moment in its public health journey. The Chikungunya virus — once considered a seasonal nuisance — is now a candidate for global outbreak, and Kenya is on the frontline. With coordinated response efforts, public cooperation, and proactive health investments, the country can avoid a full-blown crisis.