What is "chikungunya"

n. A viral fever caused by an alphavirus spread by mosquito bites.

Chikungunya is an infection caused by the chikungunya virus. The disease features the sudden onset of fever two to four days after exposure. The fever usually lasts two to seven days, while accompanying joint pains typically last weeks or months but sometimes years. The mortality rate is a little less than 1 in 1,000; the elderly or those with underlying chronic medical problems are most likely to have severe complications.

The virus is passed to humans by two species of mosquito of the genus Aedes: A. albopictus and A. aegypti. Animal reservoirs of the virus include monkeys, birds, cattle, and rodents. This is in contrast to dengue, for which primates are the only hosts. Since 2004, the disease has occurred in outbreaks in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

The best means of prevention is overall mosquito control and the avoidance of bites by mosquitoes in areas where the disease is common. This may be partly achieved with the use of mosquito nets. No specific treatment is known, but supportive care is recommended, including rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fever and joint pain. The word is from Makonde for "that which bends up".