What Is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. First identified in Tanzania in 1952, the disease’s name comes from the Makonde phrase meaning “that which bends up,” reflecting the severe joint pain sufferers experience.

Why Is It Becoming a Bigger Concern?

Global spread: Once largely confined to Africa and Asia, chikungunya has exploded in recent decades—over 240,000 cases across 16 countries by mid-2025, with 90 deaths reported.
Outbreak hotspots: Massive outbreaks are occurring in Guangdong Province, China (>7,000 cases) and rising transmission in Europe, including southern France and Italy.
Climate change & travel: Warmer temperatures and increased travel are expanding mosquito habitats—leading to potential outbreaks in places like the U.S. West Coast.

How Does It Spread?

Chikungunya spreads when a mosquito bites an infected person and later bites another — it is not spread person-to-person like a cold.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone bitten by an infected mosquito in an area of local transmission. Vulnerable groups include:

Travelers to affected regions
Older adults, infants, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions.

In 2025, the UK recorded 73 travel-associated cases, nearly triple those from 2024.

Recognizing Symptoms

Most people infected experience:

Sudden high fever (up to 39 °C/102 °F)
Intense joint pain, often in wrists, ankles, or knees
Muscle aches, headache, rash, nausea, fatigue
Symptoms typically begin 2–12 days after being bitten.

Though most recover within 1–2 weeks, joint pain can linger for months or years in about 12% of cases. Rare complications include heart issues and neurological effects, especially in high-risk individuals.

What to Do If You Suspect Chikungunya

See your doctor if symptoms begin after traveling to an outbreak area.
Diagnostic testing involves blood tests for viral RNA or antibodies.
Treatment is supportive—NSAIDs or acetaminophen, rest, fluids.
Avoid ASA (aspirin) early in the illness due to bleeding risk.
Long-term joint care: For lingering pain, physical therapy or rheumatologic support may help.

Prevention: Mosquito Control & Vaccines

Avoid mosquito bites:

Use DEET or picaridin-based repellents
Wear long sleeves and pants
Eliminate standing water around homes

Vaccines:

Two vaccines, Ixchiq (live-attenuated) and Vimkunya (recombinant), are approved and available for travelers. Use may be restricted in older adults; check current guidelines before travel.

Should You Be Concerned?

Travelers to tropical or outbreak areas (China, India, Africa, Indian Ocean islands, Europe hotspots) should take mosquito precautions and consider vaccination.
Local spread in U.S./Europe remains low, but warming climates are raising risks. For example, Aedes mosquitoes are present in parts of California, Florida, Texas, and southern Europe.
Vulnerable populations—children, elderly, immunocompromised—should remain cautious in outbreak zones.

Final Takeaways

Chikungunya is rarely fatal but can cause severe and prolonged joint pain. With climate change and global travel, it’s spreading beyond its traditional boundaries. Vaccines are emerging, but prevention through mosquito bite protection remains essential. If symptoms develop after travel, early medical care can help reduce discomfort and prevent complications.