What should you know about chikungunya prevention and control?

Chikungunya is passed mainly by infected mosquitoes. A mosquito can pick up the virus when it bites someone who is infected, then transmit it during a later bite. This makes bite prevention useful for the whole household, especially when someone has fever, rash, muscle aches, or joint pain.

Control includes personal protection and reducing places where mosquitoes breed. Water can collect in plant saucers, buckets, roof gutters, discarded containers, and outdoor toys. Regularly empty, cover, or clean items that hold water, and follow local public-health advice.

Use an appropriate insect repellent as directed on its label, wear clothing that covers arms and legs, and use screens or air conditioning where available. Sleep under a mosquito net when needed. Take extra care during daytime and early evening, when some mosquitoes that spread chikungunya are active.

If you become unwell, continue protecting yourself from bites so mosquitoes do not acquire the virus. Keep doors and windows screened where possible, ask household members to use repellent, and remove standing water around the home. Do not share medicines without checking that they are suitable.

Contact a GP Consultation service if fever, rash, muscle aches, or joint pain develops after mosquito exposure or travel. These symptoms can overlap with dengue and other infections, so a clinician can guide testing, symptom care, and precautions.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, unusual bleeding, or severe abdominal pain. Seek advice promptly for a baby, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a significant long-term illness.

Ask which repellent is suitable for your family, how long to continue bite precautions, whether your symptoms need assessment for dengue or another illness, and which warning signs require urgent care.