Chikungunya virus cases double in Singapore amid regional outbreak
2 Min Read
Singapore reports an influx of chikungunya virus cases, doubling last year's count as a regional outbreak spreads across China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
-
An ARS vector control agent operates as part of the fight against the Chikungunya pandemic by mosquitoes in Saint-Benoit on the French overseas island of La Reunion on April 22, 2025. (AFP via Getty Images)
The chikungunya virus is spreading rapidly across parts of Asia, with Singapore reporting a doubling of cases compared to the same period last year. Health officials say the rise is part of a broader virus outbreak affecting several territories in the region, with southern China identified as the epicenter.
From January to August 2, Singapore recorded 17 cases of the mosquito-borne illness, up from eight during the same period in 2024, according to figures reported by the Straits Times, citing the Communicable Diseases Agency. The total number of cases for all of 2024 was 15.
The majority of infections are linked to Guangdong province in southern China, where more than 7,000 chikungunya cases have been reported in Foshan City alone, according to Chinese state media. Local health authorities there have introduced containment measures, including mandatory registration for anyone purchasing fever or pain medication.
The virus has also been detected in Hong Kong and Taiwan, raising concern about regional transmission.
Mosquito-borne diseases pose public health risks
The chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne disease, spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include high fever and joint pain. While rarely fatal, the virus can pose serious risks to newborns, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Health authorities in affected areas are urging residents to take preventive steps such as using insect repellent and minimizing exposure to mosquitoes.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel health alert in response to the outbreak, recommending “enhanced precautions” for travelers to the affected regions.
“Mosquitoes spread the virus that causes chikungunya,” the CDC said, urging caution amid the expanding regional spread.
While most of the cases in Singapore involved individuals with travel histories to affected areas, authorities have not released specific locations. The Health Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely as the Singapore virus outbreak develops.
