Chikungunyais a virus (CHIKV) spread by bites from infected mosquitoes.
There have been no reported cases of locally acquired chikungunya in the United States or its territories since 2019.
Fever and joint pain are the most common symptoms of chikungunya.
sakchai_R / Getty Images
The best protection against chikungunya is to take measures to prevent mosquito bites.
A vaccine is available in the United States.
Start of Chikungunya Rash and Virus Symptoms
Most people who become infected with chikungunya experience some symptoms.
Symptoms can appear between two and 12 days after being bitten and last three to 10 days.
The symptoms usually begin three to seven days after a bite from an infected mosquito.
Typically, people feel better within a week.
Other symptoms of chikungunya may include:
Chikungunya can havemucocutaneous(typical skin and mucous membranes) involvement.
Typically, chikungunya is self-limiting and doesn’t require special treatment other than supportive measures.
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registeredinsect repellentswith one of these active ingredients:
Always follow directions.
If also applying sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
Put insect repellent onto your hands and then apply it to your child’s face.
Avoid applying it on a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.
If a mosquito bites you during this time, it can spread the virus to other people.
Research suggests that when you land had chikungunya, you are likely to beimmuneto future infections of the virus.
This joint pain can last past the initial illness, sometimes for several years.
It may also go away after the initial illness and then come back two to three months later.
Summary
Chikungunya is a virus spread by infected mosquitoes.
For most people, the illness lasts about a week, and then there is a full recovery.
In some cases, joint pain can become long-lasting, chronic, and debilitating.
Newborns, older adults, and people with pre-existing conditions are most at risk for severe illness.
Chikungunya is typically self-limiting and resolves without treatment.
Treatment for chikungunya involves symptom relief, such as rest, fluids, and Tylenol for fever and pain.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Areas at risk for chikungunya.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About chikungunya.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chikungunya.
Florida Health.Chikungunya fever (CHIK).
2024;34:100758. doi:10.1016/j.lana.2024.100758
DermNet.Chikungunya fever.
Virginia Department of Health.Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) fact sheet.
