In Latvia, health authorities have confirmed three cases of Chikungunya virus among patients who traveled to the Seychelles. Two of the patients traveled between December 20 and December 31, 2025, while the third case traveled from December 27, 2025, to January 7, 2026. Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. The likelihood of local transmission in continental Europe remains low due to the winter environmental conditions not being conducive to mosquito activity, according to the State Security Health Agency (SPKC).

The SPKC reported that since the beginning of 2026 until January 31, there have been 2,881 cases of Chikungunya virus-related illness across 11 countries outside of the EU/EEA, with no related deaths confirmed. The majority of cases are among travelers returning from the Seychelles, and the current epidemiological situation suggests that local transmission in continental Europe is unlikely. Since November 2025, more than 70 travel-related cases have been reported in 10 European countries, highlighting the ongoing risk for individuals traveling to endemic regions.

This situation underlines the importance of awareness and preventive measures for travelers visiting areas where the Chikungunya virus is present. Health authorities recommend that travelers protect themselves against mosquito bites, especially in tropical locations, to mitigate the risk of contracting this viral disease. The confirmation of cases in Latvia serves as a reminder of the potential for infectious diseases to spread through travel, even in geographically distant areas during the winter months.