Why does chikungunya cause fever?

The higher temperature is part of a whole-body response to infection, rather than heat made by the virus itself. Fever is a very common presentation of Chikungunya.

Fever may start suddenly and can occur with marked joint pain, headache, muscle aches, rash, tiredness, or nausea. These features can overlap with other infections, so a clinician considers the full pattern, travel, mosquito exposure, and examination.

A thermometer reading is useful, but how the person looks and functions matters too. Note when symptoms began, whether fluids are staying down, and any medicines already taken.

Rest, take regular sips of water or oral rehydration fluid, and keep the room comfortably cool. Use a fever medicine only as directed for the person's age and health conditions.

Until a clinician has ruled out dengue, avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless a healthcare professional has told you to use them. Prevent further mosquito bites by using repellent, covering exposed skin, and staying behind screens where possible.

Arrange medical assessment for a new fever with severe joint pain or rash, particularly after mosquito exposure or travel in an area where chikungunya occurs. Prompt assessment is also sensible for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with long-term health conditions.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, confusion, fainting, a seizure, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, or dehydration signs such as very little urine.

Ask whether testing for chikungunya or dengue is appropriate, which fever medicine is suitable, and how to protect household members from mosquito bites while you recover.