Chikungunya cases are on the rise in Australia, and a national mosquito expert shares essential tips to avoid mosquito bites. The mosquito-borne virus, though not yet a household name, is gaining attention due to increasing cases among returned international travelers and ongoing vaccine research in Queensland. In 2025, there were 165 notifications of chikungunya virus infection in Australia, with Victoria leading the way (80 cases), followed by NSW (29), Western Australia (27), Queensland (13), South Australia (11), the ACT (4), and Tasmania (1). This marks a significant increase from 2024, when there were 69 cases. The virus primarily targets joint tissue, muscle fibers, and connective tissue, causing intense inflammation and tissue damage. Symptoms include fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, rashes, and joint swelling. Severe disease is more common in older adults, individuals with underlying conditions, and newborns. There's currently no specific antiviral treatment, and management focuses on supportive care. While the virus hasn't been detected in Australian mosquitoes, the primary mosquito vectors are present in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait, posing a risk of local transmission if the virus is introduced. Associate Professor Cameron Webb, a mosquito expert, notes that the overwhelming majority of cases are acquired overseas, with a few cases possibly in North Queensland. He emphasizes the importance of mosquito repellent and applying it throughout the day, especially in tropical holiday destinations like Bali, where the risk of infection is higher due to the behavior of the mosquitoes that carry the virus. Meanwhile, researchers at Griffith University in Queensland are making significant progress in developing a vaccine for chikungunya. The research team, led by Professor Bernd Rehm, has engineered Escherichia coli to produce synthetic biopolymer particles that mimic the chikungunya virus's surface. Preclinical studies have shown these particles to successfully induce a protective immune response without the need for an adjuvant. The experimental vaccine, known as adjuvant-free E2-BP-E1 biopolymer particles, displays chikungunya antigens in a structure mirroring the native virus. This design allows immune cells to recognize and absorb the particles efficiently, triggering a robust antiviral response without causing infection. Professor Rehm highlights the high rate of chronic morbidity as a key clinical concern, with up to 60% of patients experiencing persistent joint pain resembling rheumatoid arthritis. The Griffith team plans to progress the vaccine into clinical development, starting with early-stage clinical trials to assess safety and then moving to efficacy studies.
