Sri Lanka: 2025 Chikungunya

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-...ist/108-309739

Sri Lanka faces major Chikungunya outbreak: Leading scientist
24 May 2025 03:37 pm

Sri Lanka is currently grappling with a major outbreak of the Chikungunya viral disease, marking the most significant resurgence of the virus in the country in nearly 20 years, according to renowned virologist Professor Neelika Malavige.

Sharing the findings on social media platform X, Professor Malavige revealed that whole-genome sequencing was conducted on the virus strain using the Oxford Nanopore analysis system...

...The genetic analysis of the 2025 Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) strains showed the absence of the E1:E226V mutation, which is typically associated with increased transmission through the Aedes albopictus mosquito.

However, the virus does carry the E1:K211E and E2:V264A mutations, both of which are known to enhance the virus’ fitness in the Aedes aegypti mosquito — the primary vector responsible for spreading the disease in urban environments.

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2025/0...-slma-doctors/


Dengue and chikungunya at epidemic levels – SLMA doctors
June 1, 2025 1:10 am 0 comment 50 views
By Chamikara Weerasinghe

Chikungunya and dengue have now reached epidemic levels in Sri Lanka and continue to spread across several districts, senior medical specialists at the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) said yesterday.

Chikungunya, had been relatively rare in recent years but there has been a resurgence this year, said SLMA doctors. As of mid-May, 173 cases were reported from sentinel sites in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha and Kandy.

Specific areas within these districts, such as Kadawatha, Gothatuwa, Battaramulla, and other crowded localities in Gampaha, have been flagged as high-risk zones. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, over 23,300 dengue cases have been recorded nationwide this year...