Chikungunya: India most affected by virus' long-term impact
A new 2025 global study finds India is the country most affected by chikungunya's lingering impact, with about 51 lakh people here at risk of chikungunya infection each year.
About half of those infected may suffer from lasting symptoms such as chronic joint pain, especially for adults between 40 and 60.
Global burden of chikungunya
Worldwide, around 1.44 crore people face chikungunya infection every year—almost half are in India and Brazil.
Kids under 10 and adults over 80 are hit hardest by severe outcomes.
Earlier numbers probably missed just how many people deal with long-term effects.
Need for effective vaccines, antiviral drugs
With no approved antiviral drugs yet, prevention and supportive care are all we have for now.
Study co-author Sushant Sahastrabuddhe highlights the urgent need for better forecasting to guide vaccines and protect those most at risk.
This research could help target resources where they're needed most.