Chikungunya: The silent threat in the shadows

Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is mostly related to arboviruses that cause serious public health threats. CHIKV belongs to the family Togaviridae and genus Alphavirus, the cause of chikungunya fever (CHIKF), an arthritogenic disease. Its distinguishing feature is intense arthralgia that lasts for months and even years in susceptible persons. CHIKF is a re-emerging disease that has occurred as an epidemic in Africa across Asia and America in recent decades and has caused global health threats, leading to outbreaks that impact millions of people. Pathogenesis of CHIKV has been researched for >50 years, but no evidence has led to the development of vaccines or drugs. Current management involves reliving symptoms by supportive care to improve the quality of patients’ lives. The ongoing outbreaks of CHIKV show that there is a crying need to understand the pathogenesis of CHIKV. It is important to comprehend CHKIV to develop prevention and control measures for the spread of the disease. This review aims to provide comprehensive knowledge about CHIKV, shedding light on its host-related factors, vector-related factors, and complicated interactions of viral genetics. By following these complex interactions, this review aims to communicate the studies and research about CHIKV, offering strategies that lead to more effective prevention and control measures for this re-emerging global health threat. © 2025