Call for increased vigilance in the face of the flambé of chikungunya in neighboring countries

VO Hai Son, deputy director of the Disease Prevention Administration of Vietnam (VADP, under the aegis of the Ministry of Health), spoke to the press of the current situation of the Chikungunya virus transmitted by the mosquitoes and the necessary preventive measures.

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Although no case of chikungunya transmitted by mosquitoes has yet been recorded in Vietnam, health experts call for increased vigilance in the face of the persistent heat and humidity of the summer, as well as the resurgence of epidemics in other regions of the world.

Deputy Director of the Vietnamese Disease Prevention Administration (VADP), under the Ministry of Health, VO Hai Son, addressed the press about the current situation and presented the necessary preventive measures.

How does the Ministry of Health follow the world situation of Chikungunya, in particular the latest developments in the Chinese province near Guangdong, where major epidemics have been reported?

Chikungunya is an infectious disease caused by the chikungunya virus (Chikv). Interhuman transmission is not direct, but goes through mosquitoes Aedes, of the same kind as that which spreads dengue. These mosquitoes prick mainly during the day, with a peak of activity at the start of the morning and at the end of the afternoon.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chikungunya was reported for the first time in 1952 in Tanzania (East Africa). On July 22, 2025, the WHO issued an alert concerning its rapid transmission, with major epidemics reported on islands of the Indian Ocean such as Reunion and Mayotte, which have since spread to certain regions of Africa, South Asia and Europe.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Chinese Province of Guangdong reported more than 4,800 cases of Chikungunya in the first half of 2025, the largest epidemic ever recorded in the region. All cases reported were mild, without serious infection or death.

Between early 2025 and August 2, Singapore also pointed out 17 cases of fever due to the Chikungunya virus, more than double the figure recorded in the same period in 2024 (eight cases). Among them, at least 13 went to areas of epidemic abroad.

The VADP works in close collaboration with WHO and national agencies responsible for international health regulations in order to monitor the disease, to share updates for rapid notification and to propose suitable prevention and control measures.

Has Vietnam recently recorded cases of Chikungunya?

To date, our infectious disease monitoring system has not received any reports from Chikungunya from local authorities. However, the disease is increasing in other countries in our region, especially in China.

However, Aedes mosquitoes are already widespread in Vietnam. There is therefore a high risk that the virus be imported by infected travelers and spread into the community.

What factors are at the origin of the resurgence of chikungunya cases in other countries and what could promote its spread?

In July 2025, the WHO alerted to the rapid transmission of Chikungunya, with major epidemics in Reunion and Mayotte which now extend to Africa, South Asia and Europe. Reports also report an increase in cases in Guangdong (China) and Singapore.

The chikungunya is transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes and not directly from one person to another. The current rainy season in many countries in the northern hemisphere creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of the insect, increasing their population density and accelerating the spread of the virus. The high summer season of travel also facilitates cross -border transmission.

Do you think of the risks of propagation of chikungunya in Vietnam and what are the intervention plans developed by the Ministry of Health to prevent?

Although Vietnam has not detected any cases of chikungunya within the community, the current peak in population density of Aedes mosquitoes and the increase in international trips increase the risks.

Taking proactive measures for the prevention and control of the disease, the Ministry of Health has published a directive for the provincial and municipal popular committees, calling for increased monitoring at border posts, in health establishments and in communities, in particular the return of epidemic travelers.

Competent organizations must rigorously supervise and control any epidemic, monitor mosquitoes and other vectors of diseases in the border areas and within communities, in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Health. They must also guarantee the appropriate and rapid admission and treatment of patients, depending on their medical records, while preparing orientation plans to avoid hospital overload.

What are the main symptoms to detect chikungunya and how do they differ from other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue?

The symptoms of chikungunya generally appear four to eight days (between two and twelve days) after the bite of an infected mosquito. These symptoms may include high sudden fever and strong joint pain.

The other current signs include joint stiffness, arthritis, headache, fatigue and rash. Symptoms look like those of dengue, but chikungunya often causes more pronounced pain and joint swelling, while dengue generally causes more pronounced hemorrhagic symptoms.

Autodiagnosis and self-treatment are however not recommended. Anyone suspected of symptoms must quickly go to the nearest medical center for rapid consultation and treatment.

Travelers at their destination or from chikungunya epidemic areas must protect themselves from mosquito bites, monitor their health and report to the health authorities any symptom evoking chikungunya.

VNA/CVN