Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is emerging as a significant vector borne disease and since 2004 has caused large epidemics in many regions of the world. It occurs in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Western Pacific. People who travel to places where CHIKV occurs are at risk of infection if bitten by the types of mosquito that can spread the virus (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus).
Most people infected with CHIKV will develop some symptoms 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling and a rash. Most people infected with CHIKV recover in a few weeks. Some people might experience tiredness for many weeks and joint pain for many months.
The disease does not often result in death, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (≥65 years), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
There is no specific treatment for CHIKV. Preventing mosquito bites is your best protection against the disease. This is particularly important when travelling to CHIKV endemic countries.
