Chikungunya fever (CHIK) is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, similar to West Nile and dengue.

Chikungunya fever outbreaks have been reported in Africa, southern Europe, Southeast Asia, India, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Locally acquired chikungunya cases have not been reported from U.S. states or territories since 2019.

TRANSMISSION: Chikungunya virus is spread by two mosquito species: Aedes aegypti(primarily) and Aedes albopictus, both found in Florida. While the virus is not currently found in the state, introductions are possible if an infected visitor or returning traveler is bitten by Florida mosquitoes in the early stages (the first week) of their illness. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people they bite.

 

SYMPTOMS: 

An infected person will typically become ill 3-7 days after the mosquito bite, but symptoms can begin anywhere from 2-12 days post-bite. These symptoms can last 3-10 days.

Up to 28% of people who are infected will not have any symptoms (asymptomatic), although they can still be infectious to mosquitoes for a short time if bitten.

Treatment is symptomatic or supportive.

• Sudden high fever (usually higher than 102º F) which may be continuous or intermittent
• Severe joint pain that commonly involves the hands and feet
• Joint swelling
• Back pain
• Rash usually 2-5 days after fever starts
• Other symptoms may include headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and redness around the eyes. In unusual cases, infection can involve the brain, eyes, heart, kidney, and other organs
• Fatal infections are rare, however many patients have chronic joint pain, arthritis, loss of energy, and depression lasting weeks to years

INDIVIDUALS AT RISK OF SEVERE ILLNESS: Persons at greatest risk for severe illness include newborn infants, those over 65 years of age, and those who have other health conditions.

FOR MORE INFO, visit Chikungunya Fever - Florida Department of Health.