Pakistan Braces for Chikungunya Outbreak Amidst Monsoon Floods
Pakistan faces a looming chikungunya threat due to a perfect storm of factors. Unprecedented monsoon flooding in 2025 has created ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, while a weak healthcare infrastructure and limited resources leave the country ill-prepared for an outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the risk of chikungunya spread in Pakistan.
The situation is exacerbated by a large population of Aedes mosquitoes, which are known vectors for chikungunya. The lack of routine screening facilities and the overlap of symptoms with dengue make the disease underdiagnosed in Pakistan. The country's healthcare infrastructure has been further weakened by devastating floods in Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2025.
Pakistan's vulnerability is highlighted by a sharp rise in suspected chikungunya cases between May and June 2025. The WHO has recommended integrated measures to combat the threat, including epidemiological surveillance, vector control, clinical diagnosis, case management, and strengthening national capacities. However, weak vector control and low health spending in Pakistan paint a grim picture of preparedness.
With over 445,000 cases and 155 deaths reported from 40 countries in 2025 so far, and chikungunya transmission surging in several regions, the global community is on high alert. Chikungunya's ability to cause high population attack rates places immense strain on healthcare systems. Pakistan, already grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods, must prioritize its response to this potential health crisis.
