On the 22nd, experts from the World Health Organization issued an alert regarding the mosquito borne disease chikungunya, reminding countries to prepare for a response and avoid a large-scale outbreak of the epidemic. At a press conference held in Geneva on the same day, Diana Alvarez, head of the WHO's arbovirus group, said that the spread of chikungunya virus has been detected in 119 countries and regions, and about 5.5 million people are at risk of this mosquito borne virus. There may also be a large-scale outbreak, which will put pressure on the health system. According to Alvarez, about 20 years ago, a large-scale outbreak of chikungunya fever occurred in the Indian Ocean region, affecting approximately 500000 people. Most infected individuals experience acute symptoms such as high fever, joint pain, fatigue, and in rare cases, death may occur. Alvarez said that since the beginning of this year, it is estimated that about one-third of the population on Reunion Island, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, has been infected with the Chikungunya virus; The spread of the chikungunya virus has also occurred in Southeast Asian countries such as India and Bangladesh. In addition, European countries such as France and Italy have recently reported imported cases and discovered locally transmitted cases. Alvarez said that mosquitoes carrying the chikungunya virus exist in most tropical countries. The World Health Organization is supporting member countries in developing laboratory diagnostic methods, training personnel, strengthening healthcare systems, and expanding monitoring coverage to track and control the outbreak of chikungunya fever. (New Society)