Chikungunya causes and symptoms

The virus is passed to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can begin after an interval following the bite and may include fever, joint pain, muscle aches, headache, tiredness or a skin rash. Joint symptoms may affect the hands, feet, wrists, ankles or other joints, and discomfort can continue after the fever settles. A breast lump or another unrelated symptom should not be treated as evidence of chikungunya; assessment depends on the full pattern and your exposure history.

Fever, joint pain and muscle aches can also occur with other infections. A clinician may consider recent travel, mosquito exposure, timing of symptoms and examination findings before deciding whether testing is useful.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and use light clothing if you feel hot. Keep a record of your temperature, pain, rash and any change in movement. Avoid mosquito bites while unwell by using approved repellent, covering exposed skin and reducing mosquitoes around your home; this helps limit onward spread through bites. Arrange a GP Consultation if symptoms are significant, persistent or difficult to interpret.

Seek prompt medical help for trouble breathing, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, unusual bleeding or rapidly worsening symptoms. Contact a clinician as well if joint pain prevents normal movement, fever does not settle, or you are pregnant, very young, older or living with a long-term condition.

Ask whether your symptoms fit chikungunya, whether another infection needs consideration, which pain medicines are suitable for you, and how to protect people nearby from mosquito bites.