- Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) belonging to the Alphavirus genus in the Togaviridae family. It was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 during an outbreak characterized by fever and severe joint pain.
- The name “chikungunya” is derived from the Makonde language, meaning “to become contorted,” referring to the stooped posture of patients suffering from intense joint pain. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which also spread dengue and Zika viruses.
- Clinically, chikungunya is marked by a sudden onset of high fever, usually accompanied by severe joint pain, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and rash. Joint pain is the most debilitating symptom and can be long-lasting, sometimes persisting for weeks or even months, especially in older adults. While chikungunya is rarely fatal, it can significantly affect quality of life due to its prolonged and painful joint inflammation, which may mimic rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, neurological, cardiac, and ocular complications have been reported, although these are less common.
- The incubation period for chikungunya virus is typically 2 to 7 days after a mosquito bite. Once inside the body, the virus replicates in fibroblasts and other connective tissue cells, contributing to inflammation and pain in the joints. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through serological tests detecting IgM and IgG antibodies or molecular techniques such as RT-PCR to detect viral RNA. No specific antiviral treatment exists for chikungunya. Management is supportive, focusing on rest, fluids, and medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs to reduce fever and relieve pain. Aspirin is generally avoided due to the potential for increased bleeding risk, especially if dengue is a possibility.
- Prevention is centered on mosquito control and personal protection, as there is currently no licensed vaccine for chikungunya. Reducing mosquito breeding sites, using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and installing window screens are critical measures. In outbreak areas, community-level vector control programs are essential to reduce transmission. Although chikungunya was once confined to Africa and Asia, global travel and the widespread distribution of Aedes mosquitoes have facilitated its spread to Europe, the Americas, and other parts of the world. Given its capacity to cause large-scale outbreaks and significant morbidity, chikungunya remains an important emerging infectious disease requiring ongoing surveillance and research.
