Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam remains free of community-transmitted Chikungunya cases, but with Aedes mosquitoes thriving at their seasonal peak, the nation is on high alert for potential outbreaks.
Chikungunya, a mosquito borne viral disease, is surging worldwide, with outbreaks reported on Indian Ocean islands like La Réunion and Mayotte, and spreading to Africa, South Asia, and parts of Europe.
Vo Hai Son, Deputy Director of Vietnam’s Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health, discussed the escalating global situation and Vietnam’s response in a recent interview.
Reporter: The MoH is monitoring the global Chikungunya situation, especially the recent developments in China, notably Guangdong province. Could you provide an update?
Vo Hai Son: Chikungunya, caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the same vectors responsible for dengue. These mosquitoes are most active during daylight, particularly in early morning and late afternoon.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) first identified Chikungunya in Tanzania (East Africa) in 1952. On July 22, 2025, WHO flagged its rapid global spread, with major outbreaks on Indian Ocean islands such as La Réunion and Mayotte, now extending to Africa, South Asia, and Europe.
In China’s Guangdong province, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 4,800 cases in the first half of 2025, the largest outbreak in the region. All cases were mild, with no severe illnesses or fatalities.
Singapore also saw a spike, with 17 confirmed cases by August 2, 2025, compared to eight in the same period last year. At least 13 of these were linked to travel in outbreak zones.
Vietnam’s Department of Preventive Medicine is working closely with WHO and international health agencies under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to monitor the situation, share information, and recommend timely prevention and control measures.
Reporter: Has Vietnam recorded any Chikungunya cases recently?
Vo Hai Son: So far, Vietnam’s infectious disease surveillance system has not detected any cases of the Chikungunya virus. However, the virus’s rise in neighboring China and the prevalence of Aedes mosquitoes domestically heighten the risk of imported cases sparking local transmission, particularly via infected travelers.
Reporter: Based on updated data, what factors have caused the rise or outbreaks of Chikungunya in China and other countries, and what contributes to its spread?
Vo Hai Son, Deputy Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Vo Hai Son: In July 2025, WHO warned of Chikungunya’s rapid spread, with large outbreaks in La Réunion and Mayotte, later extending to Africa, South Asia, and Europe. In addition, case numbers have risen in Guangdong (China) and Singapore.
Chikungunya does not spread directly from person to person but through the Aedes mosquito. Currently, the rainy season in many Northern Hemisphere countries creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes, increasing their population and thus viral transmission. Summer’s peak travel season further amplifies the risk; as international visitors inadvertently carry the virus across borders.
Reporter: How does the ministry assess the risk of Chikungunya entering and spreading in Vietnam, and what response plans are in place?
Vo Hai Son: Despite no local cases, Vietnam faces elevated risks due to thriving mosquito populations and heavy summer travel.
To prevent outbreaks, the ministry has directed municipal and provincial authorities to strengthen disease surveillance at border checkpoints, medical facilities, and communities to detect suspected cases early, especially among travelers returning from affected areas. Relevant units also investigate outbreaks to prevent spread, monitor mosquito populations and vectors at border areas and in the community as guided by the ministry. They also ensure proper patient care, detailed medical history collection, timely treatment, and hospital capacity management to prevent overloading.
Reporter: What are the typical symptoms of Chikungunya, and how can people distinguish it from other mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever?
Vo Hai Son: Symptoms emerge 4–8 days after an infected mosquito bite, typically presenting as sudden high fever and severe joint pain, often accompanied by joint stiffness, arthritis, headaches, fatigue, and rashes. While similar to dengue, Chikungunya is marked by more intense joint pain and swelling, whereas dengue often involves bleeding-related symptoms.
Self-diagnosis and self-treatment are strongly discouraged. Individuals with suspected symptoms should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.
Travelers returning from outbreak areas should avoid mosquito bites, monitor their health, and report symptoms to health authorities promptly.
Reporter: Thank you very much!
