Chickenpox outbreak in Russia might escalate into a nationwide epidemic, according to a public health expert
As of August 2025, Russia remains free of confirmed cases of Chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne disease that has been causing outbreaks globally. This is according to reports from health authorities and public health sources [1][2][3].
The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), known to be a vector for Chikungunya, has been detected in southern Russia, specifically in Crimea and the Krasnodar region, as reported by Gennady Onishchenko, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in May 2025 [2]. However, available data does not indicate a significant increase or established population of tiger mosquitoes that would suggest imminent Chikungunya outbreaks in 2025.
Health authorities in Russia are monitoring the risk of imported cases due to travel but have reported no cases yet [3]. Preventive strategies are likely focused on surveillance of mosquito populations, public awareness campaigns to reduce mosquito breeding sites, and preparedness to respond to any imported or local cases. No extraordinary or emergency measures, such as lockdowns or travel restrictions, specifically for Chikungunya have been reported in Russia as of August 2025.
In contrast, some countries experiencing outbreaks, such as China, have implemented stricter measures akin to COVID-19 restrictions [4].
Chikungunya fever is a self-limiting disease, meaning the human immune system usually fights off the virus, leading to recovery within several weeks, according to Andrei Sakharov, acting chief physician [2]. The disease is not directly transmitted from person to person through air, contact, or other means, but is spread by mosquitoes.
The incubation period of Chikungunya fever usually ranges from 4 to 8 days, during which patients experience a sudden fever spike up to 40°C, intense joint pain, and skin rashes. No effective treatment for Chikungunya fever is currently available.
A sanitary control system called "Perimeter" is in place at Russia's border to detect individuals with infection symptoms. Continuous monitoring of mosquito populations carrying the Chikungunya virus is also underway in Russia.
It is important to note that Chikungunya is not a new disease, contrary to some misconceptions referring to it as "corona 2.0". The virus was first identified in 1952-1953 in Tanzania.
In summary, while the global Chikungunya situation in 2025 shows increased outbreaks linked to tiger mosquitoes, Russia has not reported cases or a confirmed increase in tiger mosquito populations, and current prevention focuses on surveillance and preparedness rather than active outbreak response.
[1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [3] Source 3 [4] Source 4
- Despite the increasing global outbreaks of Chikungunya fever, Russia's health-and-wellness authorities continue to monitor the risk with no confirmed cases as of August 2025.
- As the Chikungunya fever is not a new disease, but one that was first identified in 1952-1953 in Tanzania, the focus on prevention in Russia primarily involves surveillance of mosquito populations and public awareness campaigns.
- In terms of entertainment and social media, contrasting responses to Chikungunya, like the strict measures enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic in some countries, have not been reported in Russia as of August 2025.
