Causative agent

Chikungunya virus

Transmission

Chikungunya virus is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are namely the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Aedes mosquitoes bite during the daytime, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon, and besides chikungunya they can also transmit yellow fever, dengue, and Zika.

Onset of the disease

Usually 3 to 7 days after having been bitten.

Symptoms

Few travelers become infected with chikungunya virus, but in most cases, it leads to the following symptoms:  

• sudden high fever
• severe joint pain
• headache
• muscle pain
• back pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• skin rash
• various eye disorders

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms are more common in those with a weakened immune system, newborns, the elderly, and adults who have underlying medical conditions.

Treatment

There is no specific drug treatment for chikungunya. Acute symptoms usually disappear within one to three weeks. The joint pain can last for months or even years. 
It is recommended that paracetamol be taken when the symptoms are acute. You should drink plenty of fluids and use ORS if you have to vomit frequently. This will prevent dehydration.

Regions

Chikungunya mainly occurs in the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Cases have also been reported in Asia (especially in Pakistan) and Africa. 

Prevention

It is important to protect yourself from getting bitten by mosquitoes to avoid contracting chikungunya: 

• Wear clothing that covers your skin.
• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET to exposed skin.
• Sleep under an impregnated mosquito net.
• If there is air conditioning, turn this on. 
• Avoid places with stagnant water.

Vaccinations

A vaccine against chikungunya has been available since May 2025. This vaccine is only recommended if you:

• are traveling to an area where an outbreak has been reported.
• are between 12 and 64 years of age.
• do not have an immune deficiency (since it is a live-attenuated vaccine).
• require no more than one other live-attenuated vaccine for your destination (such as yellow fever or dengue).

Our nurse can provide you with individualized advice about vaccinations during a travel consultation session and they can then determine which vaccinations are necessary for you to receive.