Chikungunya fever is a mosquito transmitted viral disease. It was first discovered in a patient in Tanzania in 1953 and has since been the cause of numerous epidemics in Africa, Asia and areas of Europe.

Humans become infected with the chikungunya virus by the bite of an infected mosquito. The Aedes mosquito is an aggressive day time-biting mosquito which is attracted to humans.

Prevention

There are no vaccines or drugs to prevent chikungunya. The best way for travellers to prevent infection is to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

• Minimise the amount of skin exposed, long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks should be worn as much as possible.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or Citriodiol to any exposed areas.
• Stay in well screened or airconditioned areas.

Symptoms

Chikungunya is most often characterised by fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, rash and joint pain and can be quite debilitating.

It is thought that once someone has had chikungunya fever that it confers life-long immunity. Acute chikungunya typically lasts a few days to a couple of weeks, but as with some other mosquito-borne diseases, such as Dengue and West Nile fever, some persons have prolonged fatigue lasting several weeks. Others have reported incapacitating joint pain, or arthritis which may last for weeks or months.

Treatment
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for chikungunya fever. The treatment is usually supportive. Rest, fluids, and medications such as Paracetamol to relieve symptoms of fever and aching.

Fatalities related to chikungunya virus are rare and appear to be associated with increased age.

More information on this and related health risks will be available during your Travelvax consultation. Call 1300 360 164 for the location of your nearest clinic.