Globalization, urbanization, and climate change have significantly raised the risk of “explosive, unpredictable” outbreaks of the mosquito-borne disease chikungunya, which disabled millions and likely amassed close to $50 billion in healthcare and disability-related costs in 110 countries from 2011 to 2020, researchers report in BMJ Global Health.
The first documented outbreak of the viral illness occurred in Tanzania in 1952. But over the past 20 years, climate change has allowed its vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopticus mosquitoes, to thrive in expanded geographic areas, posing threats to both developed and developing countries, the study authors noted.
Chikungunya causes fever, severe joint pain, rash, and fatigue. While most cases are self-limited, the disease can affect neurologic and cardiovascular systems, leading to poor outcomes, including death. In some cases, chikungunya can result in debilitating chronic problems such as joint pain, which can significantly diminish quality of life.
Latin America, Caribbean hardest hit
Because chikungunya prevalence is likely underestimated owing to misdiagnosis, poor testing infrastructure, and low healthcare access, the researchers analyzed data for 2011 to 2020 and modeled the results.
Data sources were the Programme for Monitoring Emerging Diseases, local ministries of health, the Pan American Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization’s CHOICE program.
The team also estimated both direct costs (eg, testing, hospitalizations, outpatient care, drugs) and indirect costs (eg, inability of patients and caregivers to work)…
Source: Chikungunya moving into new regions, disabling millions and racking up billions in costs, data suggest | CIDRAP

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