MARKET STRUCTURE · GLOBAL
PAHO epidemiological alert on chikungunya resurgence in the Americas
Change
PAHO issued an epidemiological alert (Feb 11, 2026) citing sustained chikungunya case increases since late 2025 and renewed local transmission in areas without circulation for years.
Why it matters
PAHO’s Feb 11, 2026 alert formalizes a shift from low transmission to sustained increases across parts of the Americas since late 2025, including re-emergence of local transmission where the virus had not circulated for several years. The alert flags that extreme temperatures can favor mosquito breeding, increasing pressure on vector-control and case-detection systems. It also notes ongoing circulation of Asian and ECSA genotypes, raising the stakes for sensitive epidemiological and laboratory surveillance to detect outbreaks early. Countries and territories with renewed transmission after long gaps (e.g., Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname) face reactivation of clinical recognition, testing, and reporting pathways. With a high share of cases experiencing prolonged joint pain, increased caseloads can translate into extended outpatient demand and productivity impacts beyond acute care.
Implications
- • Higher surveillance/testing load as transmission expands into previously non-circulating areas
- • Increased risk of localized outbreaks where Aedes aegypti is established
- • Greater healthcare utilization from acute illness plus prolonged joint-pain sequelae
- • Elevated coordination demands across vector control, labs, and clinical services
Who is affected
- • National and subnational public health agencies in the Americas
- • Clinical providers and hospital systems managing febrile illness and complications
- • Public health laboratories conducting arbovirus diagnostics and genotyping
- • High-risk populations (infants, older adults, pregnant people, comorbid patients)
Source
Topics
Health & Medicine Public Health Diseases & Treatments Climate & Environment Climate Change