Understanding the Transmission Dynamics of the Chikungunya Virus in Africa
Yajna Ramphal,
Houriiyah Tegally,
James Emmanuel San,
Martina Larissa Reichmuth,
Marije Hofstra,
Eduan Wilkinson,
Cheryl Baxter,
CLIMADE Consortium,
Tulio de Oliveira,
Monika Moir
Affiliations
Yajna Ramphal
Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
Houriiyah Tegally
Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
James Emmanuel San
Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
Martina Larissa Reichmuth
Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University in Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
Marije Hofstra
Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
Eduan Wilkinson
Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
Cheryl Baxter
Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
CLIMADE Consortium
Tulio de Oliveira
Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
Monika Moir
Centre for Epidemic Response Innovation (CERI), School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) poses a significant global public health concern, especially in Africa. Since its first isolation in Tanzania in 1953, CHIKV has caused recurrent outbreaks, challenging healthcare systems in low-resource settings. Recent outbreaks in Africa highlight the dynamic nature of CHIKV transmission and the challenges of underreporting and underdiagnosis. Here, we review the literature and analyse publicly available cases, outbreaks, and genomic data, providing insights into the epidemiology, genetic diversity, and transmission dynamics of CHIKV in Africa. Our analyses reveal the circulation of geographically distinct CHIKV genotypes, with certain regions experiencing a disproportionate burden of disease. Phylogenetic analysis of sporadic outbreaks in West Africa suggests repeated emergence of the virus through enzootic spillover, which is markedly different from inferred transmission dynamics in East Africa, where the virus is often introduced from Asian outbreaks, including the recent reintroduction of the Indian Ocean lineage from the Indian subcontinent to East Africa. Furthermore, there is limited evidence of viral movement between these two regions. Understanding the history and transmission dynamics of outbreaks is crucial for effective public health planning. Despite advances in surveillance and research, diagnostic and surveillance challenges persist. This review and secondary analysis highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance, research, and collaboration to mitigate the burden of CHIKV in Africa and improve public health outcomes.
