Chikungunya

What is chikungunya?

An illness caused by the chikungunya virus, carried by mosquitoes.

Signs

Sudden fever and often very painful joints, which can last weeks, months or even longer. Also headache, muscle pain, tiredness, swollen joints and rash. Most people get fully better.

How it spreads

Through bites from Aedes mosquitoes, which bite mostly during the day. A mosquito that bites an infected person can then pass it on.

How to protect yourself

Avoid bites: cover up, use screens and insect repellent. Empty and clean anything that holds water each week so mosquitoes can't breed. Vaccines exist in some countries but are not widely available yet.

Get medical help

See a doctor for fever with joint pain. Newborns and older people with other health problems are most at risk of serious illness. Avoid ibuprofen-type painkillers until dengue is ruled out.

In Dooram's words, from the World Health Organization. Source: WHO fact sheet: Chikungunya, read 8 October 2026. General information, not medical advice.