CHIKUNGUNYA: SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT, & PREVENTION

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Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease that is spread to humans through the bites of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, both of which bite aggressively during the daytime.

Our scientists breed and study Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes at the Institute of Insect Science for Family Health to develop tips and products that can help you protect your family and get rid of mosquitoes carrying the chikungunya virus.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CHIKUNGUNYA

According to the World Health Organization, most people infected with chikungunya virus will develop some symptoms. Chikungunya symptoms usually begin 4-8 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, but this can range from 2-12 days¹. Chikungunya symptoms include:

• Fever

• Joint and Muscle Pain

• Headache

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Rash

Most people with chikungunya virus recover fully, but in some cases, joint pain may persist for several months or even years¹. Since chikungunya shares some symptoms of Zikaand dengue, it can be misdiagnosed in areas where other mosquito-borne diseases are also common.¹

WHERE IS CHIKUNGUNYA MOST COMMON?

Cases of the chikungunya virus have been reported in over 60 countries. It is most common in Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. However, chikungunya has also been reported in Europe and the Americas.¹ There is also a risk that infected travelers will import the virus to new areas. If you live in or plan to travel to an area where this mosquito-borne disease is common, you can help protect yourself and your family by following the tips in our chikungunya prevention checklist.

CHIKUNGUNYA TREATMENT

Since there are currently no medications to treat chikungunya, treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms of the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this includes getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration, and taking medications to help reduce fever and pain.²

CHIKUNGUNYA PREVENTION CHECKLIST³

• Use personal insect repellents that contain the active ingredients DEET or picaridin. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and reapply as directed.
• Wear clothing and gear treated with personal insect repellent. Don’t forget to follow the instructions on the label when treating clothing and gear because some repellents should not be used with rayon, spandex, acetate, or other synthetic fabrics.
• Be sure to wear pants, long-sleeve shirts, and socks to limit the amount of skin that’s exposed to mosquitoes.
• Use screens on windows and doors and repair holes in screens to help keep mosquitoes with chikungunya outside.
• Cover cribs, beds, and strollers with mosquito netting to help safeguard your family while they sleep.
• Empty any items that can hold water at least once a week. You can also cover or drill holes in the items to help prevent water from collecting. This includes items like buckets, planters, toys, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, and trash containers. Be sure to remove any unused items that continuously hold water, such as old tires and cans.
• Use Raid® mosquito products inside the home to help kill mosquitoes on contact.

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