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Chikungunya
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral infection spread primarily by mosquitoes, characterized by fever and severe joint pain.

Overview

Chikungunya is a virus that spreads by the same kinds of mosquitoes that spread dengue and Zika virus. Rarely, the virus can spread from the pregnant parent to their newborn around the time of birth. It may also spread through contact with infected blood. There have been outbreaks of chikungunya virus in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Symptoms

Most people who have chikungunya will have symptoms, which can be severe. They usually start 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash.

Most people feel better within a week. In some cases, however, the joint pain may last for months. People at risk for more severe disease include newborns, older adults, and people with diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A blood test can show whether you have chikungunya virus. There are no medicines to treat it. Drinking lots of fluids, resting, and taking non-aspirin pain relievers might help you feel better.

Prevention

In the U.S., there is a vaccine for adults who are at a higher risk of getting chikungunya. You can also help prevent getting or spreading chikungunya by avoiding mosquito bites:

  • Use a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent when you go outdoors. Make sure to follow the instructions for using the repellant.
  • Wear clothes that cover your arms, legs, and feet.
  • Stay in places that either have air conditioning (with the windows closed) or that use window and door screens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin, reapply as directed. Wear long‑sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks; treat clothing with permethrin. Stay in air‑conditioned or screened rooms, and use bed nets if sleeping outdoors. Eliminate standing water around your lodging to reduce mosquito breeding.
Transmission to the baby is rare but can occur around the time of delivery if the mother is viremic. Newborns should be observed for fever, irritability, rash, or poor feeding in the first two weeks. If any signs appear, the infant should be evaluated promptly; supportive care is the mainstay, as no specific antiviral exists.
Most adults feel the worst joint pain for 1‑3 weeks, but up to 30 % report lingering stiffness or aching for several months. Pain that persists beyond 6 months, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or new skin changes should be evaluated for chronic inflammatory arthritis or other complications.
cetaminophen is generally safe for fever and mild‑to‑moderate pain in hypertension. Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can raise blood pressure and affect kidney function, so use them only under a doctor’s guidance and at the lowest effective dose. Avoid aspirin unless specifically prescribed.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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