Description
Chikungunya is an infection caused by the chikungunya virus. The virus is passed to humans by two species of mosquito of the genus Aedes: A. albopictus and A. aegypti. Animal reservoirs of the virus include monkeys, birds, cattle, and rodents. The disease features the sudden onset of fever two to four days after exposure. The fever usually lasts two to seven days, while accompanying joint pains typically last weeks or months but sometimes years. The mortality rate is a little less than 1 in 1,000. Since 2004, the disease has occurred in outbreaks in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
No specific treatment is known, but supportive care is recommended, including rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fever and joint pain