Chikungunya is a disease caused by a virus that infected mosquitoes spread to people. Outbreaks have occurred in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and on islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans, and infected travelers can carry the virus to places that haven't had it.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Others include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling and rash.
How it spreads
People are infected through the bites of infected mosquitoes. During the first week of illness, a sick person can pass the virus to mosquitoes that bite them, which can then spread it further.
Prevention
- Avoid mosquito bites — the best protection.
- Vaccination is recommended for some travelers; get it before you travel if it's recommended for you.
- If you have chikungunya, keep avoiding mosquito bites during the first week of illness so you don't infect more mosquitoes.
Testing
See a health care provider if you develop symptoms after visiting an area at risk for chikungunya.
Treatment
There is no medicine that treats chikungunya itself. Rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers can ease some symptoms:
- take acetaminophen (paracetamol) for fever and pain;
- don't take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, until dengue has been ruled out, to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "About Chikungunya Virus."
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from www.cdc.gov
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