PAHO warns of sustained increase in chikungunya cases. 

Detected Manipulations & Suggested Changes

Omission of key information

Leaving out contextual details that would help readers fully understand the basis or limits of the claims.

1) "PAHO said that last year, a total of 502,264 chikungunya cases were reported globally, including 208,335 confirmed cases and 186 deaths, across 41 countries and territories. In the Americas, 313,132 cases were reported, of which 113,926 were confirmed, including 170 deaths in 18 countries and one territory during 2025." The article gives large aggregate numbers but omits: - How these figures compare to historical averages beyond a brief mention that regional totals declined vs 2024. - Any breakdown by country or region to show where the risk is highest. - Any mention of underreporting or surveillance limitations, which are common in arboviral diseases. 2) "Chikungunya can also cause chronic joint pain, which may last from weeks to several months in about six per cent of cases." This gives a single percentage without clarifying: - The source study or range of estimates. - Whether this 6% refers to all infections, symptomatic infections, or a specific population.

4 suggestions

Add brief historical context to the statistics, e.g.: "These 502,264 cases represent a X% increase/decrease compared with the 5‑year average, although reporting practices vary by country."

Clarify data limitations, e.g.: "These figures are based on reported cases and may underestimate the true burden due to underdiagnosis and underreporting."

Provide at least a high-level regional breakdown, e.g.: "Most cases in the Americas were reported from [subregions], with [country/ies] accounting for the largest share."

For the 6% chronic joint pain figure, specify the basis: "…in about six per cent of symptomatic cases, according to [study/PAHO estimate], though published estimates range from X–Y per cent depending on population and follow‑up period."

Conflating correlation with causation

Implying a causal relationship where only an association or plausible link is mentioned, without clearly stating the level of evidence.

"…while this trend is consistent with expected patterns in areas where the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector is present, environmental factors such as extreme temperatures favour mosquito breeding." The sentence is mostly careful but can be read as implying that recent extreme temperatures are a primary cause of the current increase, without specifying whether this is a documented driver in this particular resurgence versus a general known risk factor.

2 suggestions

Clarify the level of evidence and avoid implying direct causation for this specific surge, e.g.: "…this trend is consistent with expected patterns in areas where the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector is present. Environmental factors such as extreme temperatures are known to favour mosquito breeding and may contribute to increased transmission, although multiple factors are likely involved."

If available, add a reference to specific analyses: "Preliminary analyses from PAHO suggest that [factors] have contributed to the recent increase, alongside climatic conditions."

Appeal to authority (benign/appropriate but could be more transparent)

Relying on statements from an authority figure as evidence without providing underlying data or references. In this article it is mostly appropriate, but still worth noting.

The article relies heavily on PAHO and a named PAHO official: - "The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an alert…" - "‘Chikungunya spread across the Americas in 2013, and after years of low transmission, we are now observing a resurgence…’ said Sylvain Aldighieri, PAHO’s director of communicable diseases prevention, control and elimination." - "PAHO said that last year, a total of 502,264 chikungunya cases were reported globally…" These are appropriate uses of an expert authority, but the article does not link to or cite the underlying alert or data source, so readers must take the numbers and characterisation of a "resurgence" on trust.

3 suggestions

Include a direct reference or link to the PAHO alert or report: "According to a PAHO epidemiological alert issued on [date] (available at [URL])…"

Where possible, briefly describe the data source: "PAHO’s figures are based on official reports from member states compiled through its regional surveillance system."

Clarify that the term "resurgence" is PAHO’s characterisation: "PAHO describes this pattern as a ‘resurgence’, particularly in the intertropical zone…"

Oversimplification

Presenting a complex situation in a way that may omit relevant nuances, even if not overtly misleading.

1) "PAHO said that the alert also highlights the re-emergence of local transmission in areas that had not reported virus circulation in several years and that while this trend is consistent with expected patterns in areas where the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector is present, environmental factors such as extreme temperatures favour mosquito breeding." The explanation focuses mainly on vector presence and extreme temperatures, but does not mention other important drivers such as human mobility, urbanisation, vector control program performance, or immunity levels. 2) "PAHO is recommending that countries strengthen epidemiological and laboratory surveillance… and ensure proper clinical management especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children under one year of age, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions." This summarises recommendations but omits other common pillars of chikungunya control (e.g., community-based vector control, water storage practices, public education on eliminating breeding sites).

3 suggestions

Broaden the explanation of drivers, e.g.: "Experts note that, in addition to climatic conditions and the presence of Aedes mosquitoes, factors such as population movement, urbanisation, gaps in vector control, and population immunity can influence chikungunya transmission patterns."

Expand the recommendations summary to reflect the main pillars of response: "PAHO is recommending that countries strengthen epidemiological and laboratory surveillance, reinforce vector control measures, and ensure proper clinical management, especially for vulnerable groups…"

If space is limited, add a brief qualifier: "Among other measures, PAHO is recommending…" to signal that the list is not exhaustive.