Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus which is spread through mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya bite during the day, from sunrise to sunset, especially at dawn and dusk. They breed in natural and man-made containers (for example flowerpots and old tyres) and these are a risk factor for transmission if left around human habitation.
Chikungunya was first isolated after an outbreak in Tanzania in the 1950s. It now occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world but has also been found in parts of Europe and the USA. The mosquito that transmits chikungunya is found very widely throughout the world and, as a result of infected travellers introducing it into new countries, it has spread very widely and has become a major global health problem.
Chikungunya is an unpleasant disease but is rarely fatal. Symptoms usually start about 4-8 days from a bite by an infected mosquito and include:
- sudden high fever
- severe joint pains (arthralgia) and muscle pains (myalgia)
- headaches
- sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- skin rashes
The symptoms usually improve within 1-2 weeks, but the joint pains can be severe and may persist for months or even years.
Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Treatment consists of rest, fluids and medicines for pain and fever, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Travellers visiting areas with on-going outbreaks are at risk of being infected with CHIKV. The risk areas are constantly changing and evolving, and travellers should check the latest information on outbreaks before they travel. Outbreaks of chikungunya in new areas are recorded in the Outbreak Surveillance section of our website. Travellers can check whether there is a risk of chikungunya in a country by looking at the 'Other Risks' tab; 'Biting insects or ticks' section of our Country Information pages.
Prevention
Travellers should seek advice from a health professional prior to travel for information on the risk of chikungunya at their destination.
Mosquito bite avoidance is recommended, particularly during daytime hours.
As of 5 February 2025, a new live vaccine to prevent chikungunya, Ixchiq® has been licensed in the UK. Guidance on recommendations for the vaccine will be published by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in due course.
Resources
Explore more
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
MERS-CoV is believed to have originated in bats and then spread to camels and has spread to humans from animals
Marburg virus disease
Marburg virus is an animal-borne (zoonotic) virus that can cause a severe and often fatal haemorrhagic fever called Marburg virus disease (MVD)
Lassa fever
Lassa fever is an infectious disease caused by Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an infectious disease caused by the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV)
Recent Chikungunya Outbreaks
Chikungunya in Brazil
As of 29 March 2025, a total of 56,433 confirmed chikungunya cases and 48 deaths have been reported in Brazil since 1 January 2025. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on chikungunya.
Chikungunya in Réunion
As of 12 March 2025, a total of 13,594 locally acquired chikungunya cases and two deaths have been reported since August 2024. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on chikungunya.
Chikungunya in Mayotte ex Réunion
As of 5 March 2025, health authorities in Mayotte announced that a first case of imported chikungunya has been detected on the island, in a resident who recently visited Réunion. No locally acquired chikungunya cases have been reported in Mayotte to date. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on chikungunya.
Chikungunya in India
As of 31 October, India recorded 12,587 chikungunya cases since the beginning of 2024. This accounts for the highest number of confirmed cases in the past six years. The states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttarakhand are showing a substantial increase in cases compatared to the past six years. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on Chikungunya.
