Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes severe joint pain. The name “chikungunya” comes from the Makonde language, spoken in Tanzania and Mozambique, and means “to become contorted” or “to walk bent over”, referring to the stooped posture that many people with the disease adopt due to the severe joint pain.
Chikungunya is caused by a virus of the same name, which is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are also responsible for transmitting other diseases such as dengue and Zika.
The first recorded outbreak of chikungunya occurred in 1952 in Tanzania. Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks in Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. However, in the past decade, there has been a marked increase in the number of chikungunya cases, with large outbreaks occurring in India (2006), the Philippines (2007), Thailand (2008), Cambodia (2010), Vietnam (2011), and Malaysia (2014).
The most recent outbreak of chikungunya started in 2013 on the island of La Reunion, located in the Indian Ocean. From there, the virus spread to other parts of the world, including Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean. As of February 2016, a total of 54 countries have reported locally-transmitted chikungunya cases.
The symptoms of chikungunya include fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and rash. These symptoms typically begin 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The joint pain associated with chikungunya is often severe and can last for weeks or even months. In some cases, the joint pain may be accompanied by joint swelling.
The fever and other flu-like symptoms usually last for 2-5 days. Most people recover from chikungunya within a week or two, but some people may experience long-term joint pain (known as post-chikungunya arthritis) and other complications.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya and no vaccine to prevent it. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.
The best way to prevent chikungunya is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. This can be done by using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying in well-screened or air-conditioned areas.
If you live in or travel to an area where chikungunya is present, be sure to take steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
