Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. What type of illness does chikungunya virus cause? This infection can cause a debilitating illness, most often characterized by fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, rash, and joint pain. The incubation period (time from infection to illness) can be 2-12 days, but isusually 3-7 days.Acute chikungunya fever typically lasts a few days to a couple of weeks, but as with dengue, some patients have prolonged fatigue lasting several weeks. Additionally, some patients have reported incapacitating joint pain, or arthritis which may last for weeks or months.How do humans become infected with chikungunya virus? Chikungunya fever is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. How is chikungunya virus infection treated? No vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya fever is available. Treatment is symptomatic—rest, fluids, and ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol may relieve symptoms of fever and aching. Aspirin or Dispirin should be avoided during the acute stages of the illness.
What can people do to prevent becoming infected with chikungunya virus? The best way to avoid Chikungunya infection is to prevent mosquito bites. There is no
vaccine or preventive drug. Prevention tips are similar to those for Dengue.