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Tuesday, 6 May 2025
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHO EPI-WIN Webinar: update on Chikungunya virus disease outbreak: focus on the Indian Ocean
WHEN: 7 May 2025 13:00 – 14:00 CET
VIRTUAL MEETING
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus that causes severe joint pain and fever in the majority of infected patients. Since its first identification in Tanzania in 1952, CHIKV has spread across 110+ countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Increased outbreaks since 2004 are linked to viral adaptations that enhance transmission via Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which also spread dengue and Zika viruses.
Currently, a major epidemic in the French overseas department of la Réunion (over 39,000 total confirmed cases, over 4000 cases in the last reported week, as of 23 April) is expanding across the Southwest Indian Ocean. Mauritius has reported autochthonous transmission, with a total of 17 cases reported as of 02 April. Mayotte has further reported 22 cases, including three autochthonous cases (as of 17 April). CHIKV transmission persists in populations with low prior exposure, making vaccines an important component of a comprehensive outbreak response. This makes research on their characteristics and use crucial.
OBJECTIVES:
To provide an up-to-date overview of the current chikungunya virus disease outbreaks in the Indian Ocean region, including key epidemiological trends and national response efforts,To share recent developments in chikungunya vaccine research and discuss the role of vaccination in outbreak response and future prevention,To facilitate knowledge exchange among public health authorities, researchers, and partners to support coordinated regional and global action against chikungunya and other arboviruses.SPEAKERS:
Welcome remarks: Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Director (ai), Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management, WHO
Global chikungunya situation: Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, Team Lead, Arboviruses, Emerging Zoonoses and High Impact Epidemics, WHO
Chikungunya epidemiology in La Réunion / Mayotte: Dr Muriel Vincent, Epidemiologist, la Réunion, Santé Publique France
Chikungunya epidemiology in Mauritius: Dr Dooshanveer Nuckchady, National Coordinator, Infection Prevention and Control – Victoria Hospital (Mauritius)
Overview of current vaccine landscape for chikungunya: Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
Outcomes of recent global research consultation on chikungunya vaccines: R&D Blueprint for Epidemics, WHO
Discussion / Q&A: Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, Team Lead, Arboviruses, Emerging Zoonoses and High Impact Epidemics, WHO
Closing: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO
Register [https://who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YVqwTX6pQUKyRyL-vllCDQ]
Media contact: