51 Lakh people in India are at risk of contracting Chikungunya in the Long Term: Study - Video

India is projected to face the most significant long-term impact of chikungunya, with an estimated 51 lakh people at risk annually, according to a global modelling study published in BMJ Global Health. Brazil and Indonesia follow as the second and third most affected countries, with India and Brazil together accounting for 48% of the global healthcare and individual burden. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine highlight chronic health effects as the major concern, with about half of those infected potentially suffering long-term disabilities.

Globally, over 1.4 crore people could be at risk yearly, predominantly children under 10 and adults over 80. Chikungunya is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, causing fever, severe joint pain, and in many cases, prolonged disability. With no specific treatments, two vaccines are approved in some countries, including the US. The study emphasizes urgent public health preparedness and targeting vulnerable populations for vaccination to mitigate this growing threat.

REFERENCE: Kang H, Lim A, Auzenbergs M, Clark A, Colón-González FJ, Salje H, et al. Global, regional and national burden of chikungunya: force of infection mapping and spatial modelling study. BMJ Global Health. 2025;10:e018598. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2024-018598