What causes chikungunya disease?

Chikungunya virus circulates between mosquitoes and people. A mosquito can acquire it when it bites an infected person and later transmit it through another bite. Infection commonly causes fever, pronounced joint pain, muscle aches, tiredness and sometimes a rash. The virus is not the only cause of these symptoms, so a symptom alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

Joint pain may involve several areas, including the hands, wrists, ankles or feet, and stiffness can remain after the initial fever. A clinician uses the timing of illness, travel or mosquito exposure and examination findings to decide what explanation and testing fit best.

Rest and take regular fluids while you monitor fever, pain, rash and mobility. Prevent further bites with repellent, clothing that covers exposed skin and screens or netting. Empty standing water around living areas where possible. Arrange a GP Consultation if symptoms are troublesome, persistent or difficult to distinguish from another infection.

Urgent assessment is needed for breathing difficulty, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to drink, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding or rapid deterioration. Seek clinical advice for ongoing fever, severe joint limitation or illness during pregnancy, infancy, older age or a significant chronic condition.

Ask whether your exposure and symptoms fit chikungunya, whether another infection should be ruled out, which medicines are safe and how to reduce mosquito exposure at home.