Chikungunya

In a language spoken in Tanzania and Mozambique, ‘Chikungunya’ means ‘walking bent over’, which may result from severe joint pain.¹

When you’re bitten by mosquitoes carrying the virus. These mosquitoes may also be carrying other viruses such as Dengue Fever.³

Cases have been reported in over a hundred countries,² including much of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, India, China and many other areas of Asia and Southeast Asia (see map).

Sudden onset of fever, pain in the joints and muscles, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. The joint pain can be debilitating.¹

Symptoms usually occur between 4 and 8 days after being bitten but can occur between 2 and 12 days, therefore you may start to feel ill when you are back home after your trip.¹

Serious cases are not common and most people make a full recovery. But pain in the joints can last for months or even years¹ and while symptoms can be treated, there is no known cure for the infection.

You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of infection:

• Visit your nearest convenient pharmacy or specialist travel health clinic for a risk assessment before your trip
• Use a recommended insect repellent containing either Picaridin, DEET, PMD or OLE, IR3535 or 2-undecanone⁴
• Wear appropriate clothing (e.g loose fitting long-sleeved clothes, long trousers, socks and shoes) to minimise exposed skin⁵
• Use mosquito nets if you are sleeping or resting in unscreened accommodation or sleeping outdoors during the day or night⁵