Chikungunya is a viral disease first described in East Africa in the early 1950s, when the virus was isolated in Tanzania in 1953. A few years later, in 1958, it was also identified in Asia—particularly in Thailand—confirming its presence across several tropical regions of the world. For several decades, chikungunya remained mainly associated with sporadic, limited outbreaks in Africa and Asia, appearing intermittently without causing large or sustained transmission.

The situation changed significantly in 2005, when the virus caused a large-scale epidemic in the islands and countries of the Indian Ocean. This outbreak marked an important turning point, as the number of people affected was particularly high, and local transmission was much more intense than in previous epidemics. This upsurge also enabled us to better document the virus’ ability to adapt to different vectors, which has contributed to the expansion of its geographical range over the years.

In December 2013, chikungunya made its first appearance in the Americas, more specifically on the island of Saint-Martin. This event was quickly followed by a sustained spread to several countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America. Within the space of a few months, the virus was already present in a large part of Latin America, causing hundreds of thousands of cases. This rapid expansion testifies to the efficiency of the virus’ vector mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, in colonizing new territories and maintaining transmission in warm, humid regions.

Since its introduction to the Americas, chikungunya continues to be reported annually in several tropical and subtropical countries. Although transmission is mainly concentrated in areas where mosquito vectors are endemic, imported cases are regularly reported in Quebec among travelers returning from affected regions. The geographical evolution of chikungunya, from a localized virus to an infection now present on several continents, clearly illustrates the importance for travelers of protecting themselves adequately against mosquito bites in high-risk areas.

Only one vaccine has been available in Canada since 2024. It is the Ixchiq vaccine.

Source: INSPQ 2025