Chikungunya Virus - Defense Centers for Public Health

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) [chick'-en-GUN-yah], also known as chikungunya virus disease or chikungunya fever, is a debilitating viral illness spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. CHIKV causes a high fever with severe joint pain, similar to other mosquito-borne diseases (like dengue fever). CHIKV occurs mainly in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, but has now been reported in Europe and the Americas.

The first locally-acquired cases of CHIKV in the Americas were reported from the Caribbean (St. Martin) in late 2013. In 2014, locally-acquired CHIKV was reported in Florida and in 2015, in Texas. Mosquitoes capable of transmitting CHIKV are found throughout the Americas and place the region at risk for further introduction and spread of the virus.

Chikungunya Virus


Aedes aegypti	Aedes albopictus

How do people become infected with Chikungunya virus?

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is most often spread to people by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are aggressive daytime biters with peak activity at dawn and dusk. If a mosquito bites an infected person, it can later spread the virus when it bites another person. People cannot become sick by physical contact with a CHIKV-infected person.

What are the symptoms of Chikungunya virus infection?

Symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain and headaches. Symptoms appear on average 3 to 7 days (can range from 2 to 12 days) after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In the Kimakonde language of Mozambique, “chikungunya” means “that which contorts or bends up.” This refers to the contorted (or hunched-over) posture of patients who are afflicted with severe joint pain, which is the most common symptom of the disease. While most patients recover after a few days or weeks, a small number of patients may develop chronic joint pain. Some patients have reported temporarily-disabling joint pain or arthritis, which may last for weeks or months. Other possible, but rare, complications include gastro-intestinal or cardiovascular disease. Hospitalization and death are rare. For more on the clinical symptoms of CHIKV and links to more resources, see the DCPH-A Diseases Page HERE.

Is there a treatment for Chikungunya virus infection?

In 2023, the US Federal Drug Administration approved the first vaccine to prevent CHIKV, called Ixchiq®, for individuals 18 years of age and older who are at increased risk of exposure to the virus. More information about the vaccine can be found HERE. External Link For those who contract CHIKV, there is no specific treatment. Treatment is mainly supportive (such as rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen) and directed at relieving the symptoms and preventing complications.

What should I do if I think I have Chikungunya virus infection?

Seek medical attention if you experience the symptoms described above and have traveled to an area where CHIKV occurs. CHIKV symptoms resemble dengue fever and only laboratory tests can determine which disease you have. Be sure to tell your health care provider your recent travel history. If you think you have CHIKV, avoid mosquito bites to prevent the virus from spreading to others.

What should I do to deduce my risk of becoming infected with Chikungunya virus infection?

AVOID MOSQUITO BITES! Using the DoD Insect Repellent System provides the best protection from mosquito bites. It incorporates permethrin repellent on the uniform, DEET or picaridin repellent on exposed skin, a properly worn uniform and sleeping inside a permethrin-treated bed net. Another important preventive measure is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Do not allow water to accumulate in containers. Stay in air-conditioned areas or make sure door and window screens are in place and do not have holes. Minimize time outdoors after dawn and before dusk, which are the peak biting times for the Aedes mosquito species that transmit CHIKV.

What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with Chikungunya virus?

The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself from mosquito bites by using the DoD Insect Repellent System. It incorporates insect repellent on the uniform, DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 repellent on exposed skin, a properly worn uniform, and sleeping inside a insecticide-treated bed net.

Select the image for more information on the DoD Insect Repellent System.