Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral infection spread mainly by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical areas. It often causes a sudden fever and pronounced joint pain. Most people recover from the initial illness, but joint pain and tiredness can continue for months or longer. Severe illness is uncommon, with newborns, older adults and people with underlying conditions at greater risk.
Prevention: Mixed
Symptoms
- Sudden fever and severe pain in several joints
- Headache, muscle aches or tiredness
- Rash, nausea or red eyes
- Joint pain that may persist after the fever settles
Transmission
- Bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes, which often bite during the day
- Uncommonly, transmission around childbirth or through exposure to infected blood
Prevention
Prevent mosquito bites with repellent, covering clothing and screened or air-conditioned accommodation. Protection matters indoors as well as outdoors. Vaccination may be appropriate for some travelers; a healthcare professional can assess the destination, personal risks and available options.
Diagnosis and care
There is no specific antiviral treatment. Care focuses on fluids, rest and symptom relief. Fever after travel needs assessment because dengue, malaria and other infections can look similar.
Source
- Chikungunya
Based on CDC information
Source language: English
Source reviewed: January 29, 2026
Source accessed: May 17, 2026
More disease information
-
Dengue
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Many infections are mild or have no symptoms, but some become severe. Having had dengue…
-
Anthrax
Anthrax is a serious bacterial infection associated mainly with infected animals or contaminated animal products. The bacteria form spores that can survive in soil. Illness depends on…
-
Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial infection of the gut, usually acquired from contaminated food or drinking water. Many infections cause no symptoms or only mild illness. Severe cases produce very…