What should you know about chikungunya infection?

After a bite, symptoms may appear after a delay rather than immediately. Joint symptoms can affect the hands, wrists, ankles, knees or other areas and may make walking or everyday tasks difficult. Some people improve as the acute illness settles, while joint discomfort can continue and deserves follow-up if it interferes with sleep, movement or work.

Rest when your body needs it and drink fluids regularly. Use gentle movement within your comfort, avoiding strenuous exercise while fever or pronounced pain is present. A clinician or pharmacist can advise which pain or fever medicine is suitable for you, especially if you are pregnant, have another illness or take regular medicines. Prevent further mosquito bites while unwell by using appropriate repellent, covering exposed skin and reducing mosquitoes around your home.

Arrange a GP consultation if fever is substantial, symptoms are worsening, joint pain limits movement, or you have recently travelled to or lived in an area where chikungunya occurs. Seek urgent help for confusion, difficulty breathing, fainting, severe dehydration, unusual bleeding, a seizure or inability to stay awake. Babies, older adults and people with significant long-term conditions may need earlier assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit chikungunya or another infection, whether testing is appropriate, which medicines are safe with your health history, and how to monitor ongoing joint symptoms. Tell the clinician when symptoms began, where you travelled, any mosquito exposure and every medicine or supplement you use.