Chikungunya Virus

Summary

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global warning about the increased risk of chikungunya virus outbreaks, citing patterns similar to the global epidemic of 2004–2005. Outbreaks in Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius have affected up to one-third of the population. Cases have now been reported or suspected in Madagascar, Somalia, Kenya, France and Italy, raising the possibility of wider spread, including into Europe. The risk in England and the UK is low at present: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/chikungunya.

Chikungunya, though rarely fatal, can cause debilitating joint pain and fever, severely impacting quality of life and fitness for work. With Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquitoes) expanding their range northward due to climate change, employers should be aware of the risk to employees travelling to affected areas.

Key Facts

Transmission: Chikungunya virus is transmitted via day-biting Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
Symptoms: Sudden high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, rash, headache, and fatigue. Chronic joint symptoms may last weeks or months.
Diagnosis: Often confused with dengue and Zika due to overlapping symptoms.
Risk Areas: 119 countries have reported local or imported cases; 5.6 billion people globally are considered at risk.
Mortality: Low fatality rate (<1%), but can result in thousands of deaths in widespread outbreaks.

Why Employers Should Act

With increasing reports of local transmission and imported cases into Europe, Heales Medical advises clients to take preventative steps now. Business continuity, travel safety and employee health may be affected. Even short-term exposure during business trips can lead to long-term health impacts.

Recommended Actions for Employers

Review Business Travel Risk

Reconsider non-essential travel to outbreak zones (e.g. Indian Ocean islands, East Africa).
Check current outbreak reports from WHO and ECDC.

Pre-Travel Health Briefings

Provide staff with information on chikungunya symptoms and prevention.
Offer occupational health risk assessments via Heales Medical.

Personal Protective Measures

Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
Wear long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing.
Sleep under mosquito nets or in air-conditioned accommodation.
Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

Post-Travel Monitoring

Monitor returning travellers for symptoms for 2–12 days post-return.
Advise prompt medical assessment for fever and joint pain.
Arrange referral to Heales Medical for follow-up if symptoms arise.

Health Surveillance & Workplace Planning

Review absence management, return-to-work protocols, and wellbeing support for staff exposed overseas.
Consider remote working options if high-risk travel is unavoidable.

Conclusion

Chikungunya presents a growing risk to global travellers and has the potential to disrupt business operations through illness, absence, and medical costs. Although UK domestic risk remains low at present, proactive communication, prevention and support measures will protect your staff and ensure legal and reputational compliance.

Heales Medical recommends that employers begin circulating travel health advice now and stands ready to support clients with pre-travel consultations, post-travel assessments and on-call occupational health guidance.

References

Scientific Overview – CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/index.html
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Updates: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/guidance-for-assessing-risk-locally-acquired-Aedes.pdf
WHO Prevention Guidance: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chikungunya
NHS Fit for Travel: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/chikungunya-fever
Travel Health Pro: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/27/chikungunya