Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes sudden fever and often debilitating joint pain. This Crewe Travel Clinic guide explains where it is a risk, its symptoms, and how travellers can protect themselves.
How it spreads
Through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which bite mainly during daylight hours.
Where it occurs
Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean and Pacific islands, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, with occasional local cases in southern Europe and the southern United States.
Main symptoms
Sudden high fever and severe joint pain, often with muscle pain, headache, fatigue and rash.
Who is most at risk
Newborns, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are more likely to develop severe illness.
Is a vaccine available
Yes. Two chikungunya vaccines (Vimkunya and Ixchiq) are licensed in the UK and may be advised for selected travellers.
How to reduce your risk
Avoid mosquito bites day and night using repellent, cover-up clothing and mosquito-proofed accommodation, and consider vaccination where appropriate.
Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions, causing sudden fever and severe, sometimes long-lasting joint pain. Because there is no specific treatment, travellers avoid it mainly by preventing mosquito bites day and night using repellents, covering up and mosquito-proofed accommodation. Two chikungunya vaccines (Vimkunya and Ixchiq) are now available in the UK for selected travellers, and Crewe Travel Clinic can assess your itinerary and advise on the right combination of bite avoidance and vaccination.
Chikungunya is a viral illness caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus spread to people through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. The name comes from a Kimakonde word meaning "to become contorted", describing the stooped posture of those affected by the severe joint pain that characterises the disease. While chikungunya is rarely fatal, it can cause an acutely unpleasant illness, and for some people the joint symptoms last well beyond the initial infection.
The disease is found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean islands, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Outbreaks can be large and explosive, sweeping through communities during the rainy season when mosquito numbers peak. In recent years, locally acquired cases have also been reported in parts of southern Europe and the United States, and major outbreaks have continued to be reported across the Indian Ocean and the Americas. The risk to travellers is greatest when visiting an area experiencing an active outbreak.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya, so prevention centres on avoiding mosquito bites. Two chikungunya vaccines are now licensed in the UK and may be considered for certain travellers heading to higher-risk destinations. At Crewe Travel Clinic in Cheshire, a travel health consultation can assess your itinerary and personal risk factors and advise on the most appropriate combination of bite-avoidance measures and, where suitable, vaccination.
Chikungunya is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Aedes mosquitoes, principally Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito). Unlike the mosquitoes that spread malaria, these species bite predominantly during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset, with peak biting activity around dawn and dusk. They breed in small collections of standing water close to where people live, such as water containers, flowerpots, discarded tyres and blocked gutters. When a mosquito bites a person who already has the virus in their blood, it can then pass the infection on to others through subsequent bites. The virus is not normally spread directly from person to person, although rare mother-to-baby transmission can occur around the time of birth.
Symptoms usually begin 4 to 8 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito (occasionally between 2 and 12 days). The illness typically starts abruptly with a high fever and severe joint pain (arthralgia), often affecting the hands, wrists, ankles and feet, frequently on both sides of the body. Other common features include muscle pain, headache, fatigue, sensitivity to light, nausea and a skin rash. Most people recover within one to two weeks. However, the joint pain can be intense and, in a proportion of people, may persist for several months or even years, sometimes causing ongoing stiffness and reduced mobility. Severe complications affecting the eyes, heart or nervous system are uncommon but have been reported. Newborns, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are more likely to experience severe disease.
Chikungunya occurs across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including sub-Saharan and East Africa, the Indian subcontinent, South-East Asia, the islands of the Indian Ocean (such as Mauritius, Reunion and Madagascar), the Pacific islands, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Locally acquired cases have also been reported in parts of southern Europe (including Italy and France) and the southern United States. Risk is highest in areas with ongoing outbreaks, which most often occur during the warm, wet season when mosquito populations are at their highest. Travellers should check the country-specific advice on TravelHealthPro before departure, as the distribution of risk changes with new outbreaks.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, so prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites throughout the day, as the Aedes mosquitoes that spread it bite mainly during daylight hours. Recommended measures include applying an effective insect repellent containing DEET (20 to 50 percent) to exposed skin, wearing loose, long-sleeved clothing and long trousers, and using air conditioning or screened, mosquito-proofed accommodation. Insecticide-treated bed nets can add protection when sleeping during the day, for example for young children or anyone resting in unscreened rooms. Reducing standing water around accommodation helps limit mosquito breeding. Two chikungunya vaccines are now licensed in the UK and may be advised for some travellers visiting areas with current or recent outbreaks, particularly those staying longer, visiting repeatedly, or at higher risk of severe disease. A travel health professional can advise whether vaccination is appropriate for you, as eligibility depends on age and health.
Chikungunya is spread to people through the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito). Unlike the mosquitoes that spread malaria, these species bite predominantly during the day. They breed in small collections of standing water close to where people live, so the risk is greatest in and around populated areas during the warm, wet season when mosquito numbers peak.
Because there is no specific treatment for chikungunya, avoiding mosquito bites is the most important step. Bite avoidance should be practised throughout the day, not only at night. Reducing standing water around your accommodation helps limit mosquito breeding, and a chikungunya vaccine may be advised for some travellers visiting areas with current or recent outbreaks.
Symptoms usually begin 4 to 8 days after an infected bite and start abruptly with high fever and severe joint pain. Most people recover within one to two weeks, but the joint pain can sometimes persist for months. Travellers who become unwell with fever during or after visiting a risk area should seek medical advice promptly, and always mention recent travel so the right tests can be considered.
Two chikungunya vaccines are now licensed in the UK. Vimkunya may be offered from age 12 upwards, while Ixchiq is a live vaccine that may be offered to immunocompetent adults aged 18 to 59. Vaccination is not needed for every traveller and depends on your destination, length and frequency of stay, and individual health and age. A travel health consultation can assess whether vaccination is appropriate for you.
The following vaccinations can help protect against Chikungunya.
Book an appointment with our travel health team for tailored advice on protecting against Chikungunya.