Chikungunya comes from the Makonde language (East Africa) and means “the one who bends over,” referring to the severe joint pain it causes and the hunched posture adopted by affected patients.
The chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, mainly Aedes aegypti (predominant in urban environments) and Aedes albopictus (more common in rural and peri-urban areas).
No, chikungunya is not transmitted directly between people. It requires the bite of an infected mosquito.
No. The mosquito needs an incubation period of approximately 2 to 10 days before it can transmit the virus.
No. Without the presence of mosquito vectors, there is no local transmission of the virus.
Sudden fever, severe joint pain (often incapacitating), skin rashes, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain.
Acute symptoms usually last between 5 and 10 days. However, joint pain may persist for weeks or months.
Although they share vectors and some symptoms, chikungunya is characterized by more intense and prolonged joint pain. It does not usually cause bleeding or neurological complications like Zika.
There is no specific antiviral treatment. Management is symptomatic with paracetamol and rest. NSAIDs should be avoided until chicungunya has been ruled out.
If you have a persistent high fever, severe pain, signs of dehydration, or if you are a vulnerable person (pregnant, immunocompromised, or elderly), go to the health center.
Prolonged post-viral arthritis, chronic fatigue, and, in rare cases, neurological or cardiovascular involvement, especially in older people or those with comorbidities.
No. Chikungunya infection usually confers lifelong immunity against the same genotype.
Three main types: Asian genotype, ECSA (East-Central-Southern Africa) genotype, and West African genotype. ECSA/IOL is the dominant type in America.
Genotypes are genetic variants of the virus. Although they do not drastically change the clinical picture, they can affect dissemination or adaptation to new vectors.
Yes. There are currently two vaccines authorized in several countries: Ixchiq® (Valneva) and Vimkunya® (Bavarian Nordic), both of which are single-dose vaccines.
People traveling to areas with high transmission rates, aged 12 or 18 and older depending on the vaccine, and vulnerable groups based on individual risk assessment.
Both have shown seroconversion rates of over 95%. Vimkunya® has a better safety profile in older and immunocompromised patients because it is non-replicative.
Like all vaccines, they can cause mild side effects (local pain, fever, fatigue). Ixchiq® had a temporary restriction in older adults due to rare serious events.
Immunity begins to develop from the first week and is considered effective 21 days after vaccination.
Prevent bites by using repellent, wearing clothing that covers the body, using mosquito nets, and controlling mosquitoes in the environment (eliminating breeding sites).
Very high in countries such as Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Massive outbreaks have been recorded since 2014.
Yes, although low. Local outbreaks have been documented in Italy, France, and Spain in recent summers, especially in areas with Aedes albopictus.
During rainy or humid seasons and in tropical or subtropical climates, when mosquito populations increase.
Yes. It can be transmitted vertically at the end of pregnancy and cause neonatal infection. Vaccination should be evaluated on an individual basis.
It is extremely rare, but theoretically possible. Some countries have established specific controls in epidemic areas.
Brazil is the country with the most reported cases of chikungunya in the world in 2023, with more than 2.3 million cases officially reported.
Studies in Brazil have shown that adult women are more likely to suffer persistent joint symptoms after chikungunya infection.
Thanks to the implementation of PCR and serology in some national surveillance networks, diagnostic capacity has improved. However, there are still countries and regions with underreported cases.
Chikungunya has generated high healthcare costs in affected countries due to the high number of consultations, hospitalizations, and prolonged follow-up of cases with chronic joint symptoms.
Consult in advance, consider vaccination, use repellent and protective clothing, and find out about the local situation from reliable sources such as the CHIKV Atlas.