Symptoms | Chikungunya virus | CDC

Symptoms | Chikungunya virus | CDC

Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Symptoms

• Most people infected with chikungunya virus will develop some symptoms.
• Symptoms usually begin 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
• The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain.
• Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
• Chikungunya disease does not often result in death, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling.
• Most patients feel better within a week. In some people, the joint pain may persist for months.
• People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (≥65 years), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
• Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.

Diagnosis

• The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue, another disease spread by mosquitoes.
• See your doctor if you develop the symptoms described above.
• If you have recently traveled, tell your doctor.
• Your doctor may order blood tests to look for chikungunya or other similar diseases.

Treatment

• There is no medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection or disease.
• Decrease the symptoms:
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Take medicines, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain.

More detailed information can be found on CDC’s chikungunya web page for healthcare providers