Global expansion of chikungunya virus: mapping the 64-year history

Highlights • Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus. • The global distribution shows that CHIKV is expanding at an alarming rate. • CHIKV has the potential to spread to new areas because it is a travel-associated febrile illness. • The four different genotypes of CHIKV are Asian, West African, East/Central/South African (ECSA), and Indian Ocean Lineage (IOL). • The disease originated in Africa and has since affected the entire globe. • This global health menace has affected millions of people in tropical and sub-tropical countries.