Hesperian Health Guides
Chikungunya Virus
HealthWiki > New Where There Is No Doctor > Malaria, Dengue, and Other Illnesses from Mosquitoes > Chikungunya Virus
Although not usually a dangerous disease, chikungunya can be very uncomfortable because of the intense joint pain that can affect the hands, feet, knees, and back. It can be so painful that people stay bent over and cannot walk. Most people feel better within one week, but after the fever goes away, joint pain can last for several more weeks or even months. The pain may return later, even after a year or more.
Chikungunya can be more dangerous for infants. See a health worker if a baby has high fever, seizures, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Signs of chikungunya
- Fever is sudden and can be mild or high, often 38.5° (101.4°F) or higher
- Intense body aches, headache, neck pain and abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Rash
- Joint pain may continue for weeks or months
Treatment can help you feel better.
Prevention
To prevent chikungunya, avoid mosquito bites and prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
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The mosquitoes that spread dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya do not need much water to lay eggs. A bottle cap filled with water is big enough! |