(NewsNation) — The mosquito-borne virus chikungunya is causing large outbreaks and prompting the World Health Organization to warn of a possible global epidemic.
The virus has been spreading from three Indian Ocean islands to Africa and parts of Southeast Asia. Outbreaks have occurred on the islands of Mayotte, Mauritius and Réunion, where around two-thirds of the population has been infected.
Réunion has confirmed 54,410 cases of chikungunya with 28 deaths, 578 hospitalizations and 2,860 visits to the emergency room, according to a report.
Cases have also been reported in France and Italy in people who have not traveled to the islands.
There have been no locally acquired cases of chikungunya in the U.S., but those who are traveling to areas where it has been reported are at risk.
It may also be more difficult for doctors in Europe and the U.S. to recognize cases of the tropical disease because it would not commonly be seen.
Chikungunya is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can also become infected with the virus by biting infected humans, enabling the virus to spread quickly.
Symptoms include high fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, skin rash and fatigue. Around 40% of those who are infected develop long-term disabilities that last for months or years.
To protect against chikungunya, people should use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, install screens on windows and doors and dump out standing water that could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Several countries have approved two chikungunya vaccines, but they are not yet recommended for global use.