Chikungunya is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus, which spreads when an infected mosquito bites a human. Chikungunya virus was first identified in the early 1950s and has since spread to 110 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, including South Africa. Chikungunya is passed by the same types of mosquitoes that transmit Zika and dengue viruses. The mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya virus bite during the daylight hours and will bite indoors or outdoors.
Common symptoms of chikungunya virus include:
In people with chikungunya, symptoms usually occur 4-8 days after being bitten. Fever tends to come on abruptly, and joint pain may last for a few days but can sometimes last for months or even years.
Chikungunya is frequently misdiagnosed as Zika or dengue virus and often goes undiagnosed if there are no apparent symptoms.
Chikungunya occurs when a mosquito carrying the chikungunya virus bites a human, infecting them. Risk factors for the chikungunya virus include being an older adult, being a young child, being pregnant, having high blood pressure or diabetes, and living in a country where chikungunya is known to be active or has been active in the past.
If your healthcare provider suspects you have chikungunya, they will ask you about your medical history, current symptoms, and any places you’ve travelled to recently. They’ll do a physical exam to look for joint pain and to see if they can spot any noticeable insect bites. A blood test can be done to confirm a diagnosis. A laboratory will run tests on a sample of your blood to look for the virus and proteins your immune system has produced in response to the virus.
Complications of chikungunya include long-term heart, eye, and nerve issues, as well as chronic chikungunya arthritis. This occurs when the joint pain lasts longer than the disease itself. Death is very uncommon.
Treatment for chikungunya focuses on treating the symptoms. Patients will receive anti-inflammatory medications to treat their fever and pain. Drinking lots of fluids and getting a lot of rest while the body recovers is essential. There are currently no vaccines available to protect against chikungunya.
The best prevention is to stop mosquitoes from biting you altogether and to stop the existence of breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Communities can ensure that there is no standing water, and that waste is disposed of in a timely manner.
Insecticides can also be sprayed in homes or by public health ministries to kill adult mosquitoes. When chikungunya is active in a community, keep all skin covered during the day, use mosquito screens at home, and wear insect repellent. Try to prevent travel to areas with chikungunya if you’re pregnant or part of another at-risk population.