Home » TRAVEL NEWS UPDATES » France At The Forefront Of Europe’s Chikungunya Outbreaks In 2025, Italy Reports New Cases

Published on
August 9, 2025 |

In August of 2025, France is leading in European chikungunya cases, with several departments reporting significant illnesses. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has highlighted that although chikungunya is not endemic in mainland Europe, there have been several outbreaks with some degree of local transmission in certain regions. France specifically has been witnessing a sharp upsurge in cases, which is a cause for public health alarm, especially considering the well-being of the local population and tourists.

Chikungunya virus is a viral disease that is transmitted to people by mosquitoes and is characterized by flu-like symptoms, which include fever, arthralgia, and body swelling. While the virus has not been common in Europe, this rise in cases in 2025 raises a red flag, especially for places where the virus-carrying mosquitoes thrive. France has reported 63 cases of localized chikungunya transmission with 63 cases distributed over 16 local administrative areas as of August 6, 2025. While this escalation is alarming, health experts are actively managing containment strategies while regularly updating the public with safety and health measures.

France’s Chikungunya Virus Outbreak: New Active Clusters Reported

As the epidemic progresses, specifically in the southern regions of France, the chikungunya outbreaks have resulted in several active clusters. The Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, which was chikungunya-free, now has a new cluster of three cases. Gard also noted a new cluster with three cases. Collectively, these form part of the eleven active clusters spanning multiple departments, predominantly in the southern regions.

The predominant clusters are located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, where Salon-de-Provence, Grans, and Lambesc have a disproportionately high caseload. Another hotspot in Corse-du-Sud, Grosseto-Prugna, has also been noted with thirteen cases in the area. These two clusters, along with the rest of Bouches-du-Rhône and Corse-du-Sud, are emerging as the highest and most concerning about health attention.

An increase in chikungunya is also observed in Isère and Hérault. With the temperature rise, the southern regions are prone to vector-borne diseases. Thus, health authorities have stepped up surveillance and chikungunya control measures like vector management.

Italy’s Reaction to the Chikungunya Clusters

Despite having fewer cases than France, Italy is still on alert as two chikungunya clusters remain active within its borders. This signals the disease is still a risk for residents and travelers within the chikungunya-impacted areas. Italian and French health authorities are still actively collaborating with the ECDC to manage the transmission of the virus and the mosquitoes responsible for its spread.

As for travelers, the ECDC is actively monitoring the situation and updating travel recommendations for southern France. It is important to keep track of the outbreaks and follow the prescribed instructions, especially for those intending to travel to the region.

Chikungunya is not an Endemic Virus In Mainland Europe

Chikungunya is a virus that is not considered endemic to mainland Europe. Still, there is a notable increase in locally acquired cases, particularly in travelers. This is a cause for concern for those who visit regions of the world where the virus is prevalent. This is even more true because the particular mosquito species, the Aedes, that spreads the virus tends to flourish in urban and suburban regions because they reproduce in standing water. Healthcare officials are particularly worried about the southern regions of Europe about the ongoing spread of the virus, due to the number of cases and abundance of Aedes mosquitoes in the warmer months.

The southern European countries, particularly France and Italy, are the leading case reporting countries of chikungunya. France and Italy are leading in case notifications, while the rest of the southern European countries are also being closely monitored for potential outbreaks. France and Italy have been leading in case notifications. It is important for travelers to those regions to be informed of the local health guidelines to have minimal exposure to the chikungunya virus.

Safety Measures and How to Prevent This Virus:

Chikungunya can be controlled to a large extent, and health officials have strongly advised taking the following more proactive measures to mitigate the cases:

Avoid Bites From Mosquitos: Mosquitos are the greatest carriers of chikungunya. They are eliminated while wearing moveable sleeves and with sporting face repellent.

Stay in Air-Conditioned Environments: Air-conditioned rooms reduce exposure to mosquitoes. In places without air conditioning, ensure windows and doors are fitted with mosquito nets.

Remove Standing Water: Eliminate any stagnant water near your accommodation to mitigate mosquito breeding sites.

Seek Immediate Medical Help: If symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or swelling manifest after visiting an impacted area, receive medical attention.

Chikungunya vaccines are now available and approved in Europe and the United States. These vaccines aid in controlling the virus’s spread, particularly for individuals traveling to affected areas.

Chikungunya Risk Assessment: Current Status and Travel Advice

The European CDC has evaluated the chikungunya risk in mainland EU/EEA countries, and although the virus is not endemic to this region, there is an increasing threat from localized outbreaks. Based on the most recent ECDC report, there is no considerable risk of extensive spread outside the impact zones in France and Italy. Nevertheless, summer visitors to these countries need to be cautious of the persistent risk.

The ECDC is actively managing case updates, collaborating with local health authorities, and providing new guidance to mitigate the spread of the virus. They also stress the importance of travelers adhering to local guidelines and taking appropriate measures to avoid infection.

Conclusion

The increase in chikungunya outbreaks in France and Italy is worrying, not only for travelers but also for residents of southern Europe. Since the virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, health authorities are trying to control the outbreaks. Travelers to the affected areas need to understand the risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate exposure. The ongoing surveillance, combined with the provided vaccines, provides optimism in containing the virus and minimizing its impact for the remainder of 2025.

As people continue to visit France and Italy, and other parts of Europe, it is important to remain knowledgeable about health concerns and adhere to advice issued by the authorities in order to have safe and healthy trips.

(Source: European CDC, France Health Authorities, Italy Health Authorities)