Chikungunya

Chikungunya is an infectious disease caused by the chikungunya virus, which is spread to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The name comes from a word in the Kimakonde language meaning "to become contorted," referring to the stooped posture people develop from severe joint pain. The disease typically begins suddenly with high fever and intense joint pain, usually affecting the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet on both sides of the body. Other common symptoms include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and a skin rash. Most people start feeling sick 4 to 8 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. While chikungunya is rarely fatal, the joint pain can be extremely severe and debilitating, sometimes lasting for weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection. This chronic joint pain is one of the most challenging aspects of the disease and can significantly affect quality of life. Newborns infected around the time of birth and older adults with other health conditions are at higher risk for severe disease. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Care focuses on relieving symptoms with rest, fluids, and pain medications such as acetaminophen. In late 2023, the FDA approved the first chikungunya vaccine, Ixchiq (VLA1553), for adults aged 18 and older who are at increased risk of exposure. This was a major milestone in prevention. Research continues into antiviral therapies and additional vaccines.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.How can I tell if my symptoms are from chikungunya and not dengue or Zika?,What pain medications are safe for me to take right now?,How long should I expect my joint pain to last, and what are the chances it becomes chronic?,What can I do to prevent spreading the virus to my family members?,Should I see a rheumatologist if my joint pain continues after the fever goes away?,Are there any warning signs I should watch for that would require emergency care?,Is the chikungunya vaccine recommended for me or my family members for future protection?

Common questions about Chikungunya

Related conditions

Other rare diseases commonly researched alongside Chikungunya.

• Dengue fever→
• Zika virus disease→