What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral infection spread to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes, the same type that can carry dengue and Zika viruses. The virus causes sudden fever and severe joint pain, which can be debilitating but is rarely fatal. It is most commonly found in parts of Africa, Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and some areas of Central and South America.
Outbreaks can occur in urban and rural settings where Aedes mosquitoes are present. There is no specific antiviral treatment or cure, but symptoms can be managed with supportive care. Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported over 400,000 Chikungunya cases and 155 deaths globally between January and September 2025.
FAQs
Which countries or regions have chikungunya outbreaks?
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Chikungunya has been reported in many tropical and subtropical countries across Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America.
Outbreaks can occur suddenly, so before visiting these regions, travellers should check current updates. The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website has a health tab for each country, outlining up to date advice.
Is there a vaccine for chikungunya?
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At the time of writing, the chikungunya vaccine had not yet been approved by the TGA for widespread use in Australia. ATAGI did not yet have recommendations for Australian travellers. Check the Australian Immunisation Handbook for updates.
For those who plan on staying more than 6 months in a chikungunya area or will be travelling to a region with an active chikungunya outbreak, see a travel doctor for further advice.
Mosquito avoidance is an important preventive strategy and recommended for all travellers to chikungunya endemic areas.
What should I do if I get sick after travelling?
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Symptoms usually appear three to seven days after a mosquito bite and include sudden fever, severe joint pain, headache, muscle aches, rash, and fatigue.
If you develop these symptoms during or after travel, seek medical care promptly and inform your doctor about your recent travel history. While chikungunya is rarely fatal, joint pain can last for weeks or months, and early assessment helps rule out malaria, dengue and other infections.
What to Know
Chikungunya Symptoms
Chikungunya virus infection usually begins three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The main symptoms are a sudden high fever and severe joint pain, often in the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. The joint pain can be intense and sometimes limits movement, making everyday activities difficult. Other common symptoms include headache, muscle aches, rash, nausea, fatigue, and swelling around the joints.
While most people recover within a few weeks, some may experience persistent joint pain or stiffness for several months, especially older adults or those with pre-existing joint conditions. Severe complications, such as neurological or heart-related problems, are rare, and fatalities are uncommon.
Chikungunya is usually self-limiting, but early recognition is important to manage symptoms effectively and to rule out other mosquito-borne infections such as dengue or Zika virus, which can have more serious complications.
Chikungunya diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of chikungunya is confirmed through blood tests, which detect either the virus itself or antibodies produced in response to the infection. Early diagnosis is critical because chikungunya shares symptoms with malaria, dengue and zika, which require different monitoring and management strategies. Doctors will ask about recent travel history, exposure to mosquito-prone areas, and symptom onset to help determine the likelihood of chikungunya.
There is no specific antiviral medication that treats chikungunya. Management focuses on supportive care, including rest, staying hydrated, and medications to relieve symptoms such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Aspirin should be avoided until dengue infection has been ruled out to prevent the risk of bleeding.
In severe cases, particularly when joint pain persists, doctors may recommend physical therapy or other measures to improve mobility and reduce discomfort. Most people recover fully within weeks, though fatigue and joint stiffness may last longer in some individuals.
Chikungunya prevention
The most effective way to prevent chikungunya is to avoid mosquito bites, particularly from the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are active during the day.
Travellers should use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and hats to reduce the amount of skin exposed to mosquitoes. Staying in air-conditioned accommodation or using insect screens and mosquito nets while resting or sleeping can provide additional protection, as mosquitoes are less active in cooler indoor environments. It is also important to minimise standing water to reduce mosquito breeding around your accommodation.
By consistently following these measures, travellers can significantly reduce their risk of chikungunya infection, while also protecting themselves against other mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and Zika.