Chikungunya virus: A global re-emergence and review of the evidence

Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has re-emerged globally in recent decades, causing explosive outbreaks with significant public health impact. In 2025, parts of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean islands experienced major chikungunya outbreaks, underlining the continued threat of this arboviral infection. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of chikungunya fever, covering epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, comparisons with similar conditions, treatment, and prevention strategies. Relevant literature was identified through database searches and authoritative health organization reports, with emphasis on studies from the last five years. In summary, chikungunya fever remains an important re-emerging disease worldwide. Strengthened surveillance, accurate diagnosis (distinguishing it from co-circulating arboviruses), and integrated mosquito control are vital to mitigate its impact, while new vaccines offer hope for future outbreak prevention.