Chikungunya fever is a rising global infection. In July 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned a major chikungunya virus epidemic risk sweeping around the globe.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
According to the WHO’s Diana Rojas Alvarez, Chikungunya is a lesser-known disease, yet it has been identified and spread in 119 countries worldwide, endangering 5.6 billion people.
How does chikungunya virus spread?
Chikungunya spreads primarily through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. These mosquitoes become carriers of the chikungunya virus after feeding on an infected person and can then transmit the virus to others through their bites. The virus doesn’t not spread directly from person to person.
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Where is chikungunya prevalent or endemic?
The Aedes mosquitoes thrive in warm climates, and is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
It is endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, with significant outbreaks reported in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. In the Americas, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru have seen substantial numbers of cases. The virus is also present in some islands in the Indian Ocean, such as Réunion and Mayotte.
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Symptoms of chikungunya
The illness has a short incubation period of 2–10 days. It typically begins with a sudden high fever lasting up to a week. This fever is often followed by a rash on the trunk, hands and feet, headache, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue, joint pain and swelling.
Chikungunya involves multiple joints, especially the knees, ankles, hands, and wrists. Both the right and left sides are equally affected.
While most individuals recover within a few weeks, others experience joint pain and noticeable joint swelling months or even years after their initial infection.
Chikungunya can be confused with dengue: However, a reduced platelet count is more indicative of dengue, while rash and joint pain suggest this illness.
Pregnant women infected near delivery can transmit the virus to their baby, potentially causing severe brain damage and long-term neurodisability.
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Is Chikungunya contagious?
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Unlike some other viral infections, chikungunya is not contagious through direct human-to-human contact, such as touching, kissing, or sharing utensils. However, an infected person can indirectly contribute to the spread of the virus if a mosquito bites them and then bites another person.
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Treatment of chikungunya
Chikungunya treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms, as there is no specific antiviral cure for the virus. Patients are advised to rest, stay hydrated, and use pain relievers like acetaminophen to manage fever and joint pain.
Your doctor may prescribe you painkillers. Persistent joint pain can be treated with corticosteroids and physical therapy. Preventing mosquito bites through repellents, protective clothing, and mosquito nets is crucial to avoid infection.
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Prevention of Chikungunya
There is no vaccine for Chikungunya. Preventing chikungunya involves several key strategies to avoid infected Aedes mosquito bites. The following preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of this infection.
- Use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and treat clothes with permethrin.
- Ensure your living spaces have screens on windows and doors, and use mosquito nets if necessary.
- Eliminate standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Conclusion
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Unlike some other viral infections, chikungunya is not contagious through direct human-to-human contact, such as touching, kissing, or sharing utensils. However, an infected person can indirectly contribute to the spread of the virus if a mosquito bites them and then bites another person .
This makes mosquito control and prevention measures crucial in areas where chikungunya is prevalent.