Chikungunya Virus: What Do You Need To Know?

What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The name “Chikungunya” means “to become contorted” in the Makonde language, referring to the bent posture resulting from severe joint pain. The disease is caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus belonging to the Togaviridae family.

As per ECDC, since the start of 2025 and up to early June, around 220,000 cases of CHIKVD and 80 related deaths have been reported across 14 countries or territories. It is important to note that Chikungunya is not spread from person to person through direct contact, saliva, or airborne droplets.

Where is Chikungunya Prevalent?

Chikungunya is commonly found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia, where it has become a significant public health problem. Endemic areas include parts of India, Southeast Asia, and several African countries. In recent years, there have been outbreaks in temperate regions, such as Europe and the Americas, due to the colonization of Aedes mosquitoes in these areas. According to WHO, CHIKV has been detected in more than 110 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Chikungunya Causes

Chikungunya is primarily caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which is transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes. Environmental factors and regions where these mosquitoes thrive play a significant role in the spread of the virus.

1. Mosquito-Borne Virus

The virus is transmitted when an infected Aedes mosquito bites a human. During outbreaks, humans serve as the primary reservoir. The mosquito itself becomes infected by feeding on a viremic person, completing the cycle of transmission.

2. Environmental Factors and Regions

Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, thrive in tropical and subtropical regions. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and are most active during the day . Regions with warm climates and high humidity, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, are particularly susceptible to outbreaks.

3. Other Factors

• Similar Viruses: Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya share the same mosquito vectors and overlapping symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
• Blood Transmission: Rarely, CHIKV can be transmitted through blood exposure in clinical or laboratory settings.
• Mother-to-Child Transmission: Vertical transmission can occur, especially during delivery, and may result in severe neonatal illness including fever, rash, and meningoencephalitis.
• Government Reporting: Prompt notification of suspected cases to health authorities is essential for outbreak control.

Also Read: Home remedies for dengue

Symptoms of Chikungunya

The most common symptoms of chikungunya include fever and joint pain. Additional symptoms may involve headaches, vomiting, nausea, back pain, and skin rashes. Chikungunya symptoms can be divided into two stages: acute and chronic. Let’s delve into each stage in detail.

1. Acute Stage

Symptoms usually begin 3–7 days after a mosquito bite. The acute phase lasts up to 10 days and is characterised by:

• High fever (>39 °C)
• Severe joint pain and swelling, especially in wrists, fingers, ankles, and knees
• Headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and nausea
• Maculopapular rash, often on the face and trunk
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea
• Short-term confusion in elderly patients
• The fever often resolves within a week, but joint symptoms may persist.

Chikungunya’s high fever is a key symptom that is also commonly observed in viral fevers. If you are experiencing such symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention.

It’s important to learn more about viral fever symptoms to better understand and manage your condition.

2. Chronic Stage

Up to 60% of patients may experience joint pain lasting weeks to months, especially older adults and those with pre-existing joint disease.

• Chikungunya-associated arthritis is the most common chronic manifestation
• Difficulty walking or using hands due to joint inflammation
• Fatigue and depression may also be present

Read More: Home Remedies for Joint Pain

Diagnosis of Chikungunya

1. Blood Test

The standard way for a lab to diagnose a virus is to test blood for the virus, viral nucleic acid, virus-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M, and virus-neutralizing antibodies.

A viral culture may identify the virus during the first three days of sickness. Serum frequently contains the chikungunya virus RNA. So, patients whose samples were taken during the acute phase and came back negative should have samples taken during the convalescent phase (the later stage of an infectious disease or illness) to rule out the diagnosis.

Some of the lab findings are:

• Leukopenia or a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood.
• Mild thrombocytopenia or deficiency of platelets in the blood.
• A slight increase in C-reactive protein: CRP levels increase when there is inflammation in the body
• Hepatic cytolysis: This condition is frequently the result of the synthesis of reactive metabolites through the cytochrome P450 system that target the liver’s structural elements and can cause harmful immune allergic reactions or autoimmune hepatitis.
• Lymphopenia where your blood does not contain enough white blood cells, known as lymphocytes.

2. Physical Exam

• Joint swelling, tenderness, and stiffness
• X-rays may reveal joint space narrowing or erosions
• MRI can detect early inflammatory changes

Treatment of Chikungunya

Unfortunately, no antiviral medication has been shown to be effective against human CHIKV infection.

• Thus, only painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat the acute stage.
• Acetaminophen is preferred for fever and pain
• Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs until dengue is ruled out due to bleeding risk
• Hydration and rest are essential
• For chronic arthritis, NSAIDs or corticosteroids may be used under medical supervision

For additional information on dietary recommendations during recovery, refer to Chikungunya diet.

Prevention of Chikungunya

No Vaccine Available: Currently, no licensed vaccine exists for Chikungunya. Prevention focuses entirely on mosquito control and personal protection.

1. Preventive Measures

• Avoid travel to outbreak areas, if possible
• Eliminate stagnant water in containers, drains, and tyres
• Use mosquito nets, window screens, and air conditioning
• Apply mosquito repellents (containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535)
• Wear long-sleeved clothing
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear when outdoors

2. Wear Protective Clothing

• Cover up with long sleeves and pants.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothes will help prevent bites by keeping your skin covered with sweat, which helps keep mosquitoes away from you as much as possible.
• When you go outside in the morning or evening (when mosquitoes are most likely to be out), wear clothes treated with permethrin.
• A chemical insecticide called permethrin can be used to coat clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping supplies to kill or deter insects like mosquitoes and ticks.
• Use insect and mosquito repellents.

Conclusion

Chikungunya is a debilitating mosquito-borne illness with no specific treatment. While most patients recover within weeks, some may suffer from persistent joint pain. Early diagnosis, supportive care, and prevention of mosquito bites remain the cornerstones of managing the disease. If you suspect you may have Chikungunya, consult your doctor for appropriate tests and care.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• World Health Organization: WHO. (2025, April 14). Chikungunya. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chikungunya
• Chikungunya virus disease worldwide overview. (2025, March 3). European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/chikungunya-monthly
• Santos, G. R. D., Jawed, F., Mukandavire, C., Deol, A., Scarponi, D., Mboera, L. E. G., Seruyange, E., Poirier, M. J. P., Bosomprah, S., Udeze, A. O., Dellagi, K., Hozé, N., Chilongola, J., Nasrallah, G. K., Cauchemez, S., & Salje, H. (2025). Global burden of chikungunya virus infections and the potential benefit of vaccination campaigns. Nature Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03703-w
• Freppel, W., Silva, L. A., Stapleford, K. A., & Herrero, L. J. (2024). Pathogenicity and virulence of chikungunya virus. Virulence, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/21505594.2024.2396484