In recent weeks, imported cases of chikungunya have been reported in some cities in southern China, with instances of local transmission also confirmed. For many people, this disease may sound unfamiliar. So, what exactly is chikungunya, and how can it be prevented and treated? This article provides the answers.

Centered on a "Human–Mosquito–Human" 

transmission cycle

What is chikungunya?

Chikungunya is an acute mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus, which is primarily transmitted through the bites of aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The disease is endemic to tropical and subtropical zones, including parts of South and Southeast Asia, and Africa.

The virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952. The exotic mouthful of a name, "chikungunya," comes from a local language in southern Tanzania, meaning "to become contorted," vividly describing how patients often hunch over due to severe joint pain.

Roughly two decades ago, there was a major chikungunya outbreak in the Indian Ocean region, affecting around 500,000 people. In 2025, approximately one-third of the population on France's Réunion Island was estimated to have been infected. As of July, this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the virus had spread to 119 countries and regions, warning nations to prepare for possible large-scale outbreaks.

How does chikungunya spread? Can it be transmitted from person to person?

Chikungunya virus is not spread through casual human contact, nor through coughing or sneezing.

Transmission occurs through mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes genus, which are identifiable by their black-and-white striped legs. After biting an infected person, the mosquito's salivary glands fill up with virus particles. When it bites again, the virus will be transmitted to a new host. This "human–mosquito–human" chain is the primary transmission route.

While it is extremely rare, there is a very small risk of mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy. However, such cases are very uncommon.

Mild for most, but four groups 

should be extra cautious

What are the symptoms of chikungunya? How long do they last? Who is at higher risk?

The three primary symptoms are: fever, joint pain, and rash. Joint pain usually appears alongside fever, while the rash often develops two to five days later. Most cases resolve in 5 to 7 days. Currently, all reported locally transmitted cases in Guangdong are mild, with no severe or fatal cases identified.

Despite all currently reported cases being mild, chikungunya is not without risks. In 2006, a large outbreak in India led to around 50,000 to 60,000 infections and approximately 3,000 deaths.

So, while there is no need to panic, caution should be exercised, especially for these four groups:

    1. Older adults and infants, especially newborns

    2. Individuals with underlying conditions like hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes

    3. Pregnant women in late-term pregnancy

    4. Immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or those on long-term immunosuppressants

No specific cure, avoid self-medicating

How is chikungunya diagnosed and treated? Does it cause any lasting health issues?

If you experience similar symptoms mentioned earlier, visit a hospital as soon as possible. Do not attempt to self-manage at home. Since chikungunya has an incubation period of up to 12 days, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you have recently traveled to areas where the virus is circulating and be cooperative with the epidemiological survey.

So far, diagnosis is typically done through nucleic acid testing (NAT) or antibody testing. In the early stages, antibody tests may return false negatives, so nucleic acid testing is preferred in outbreak zones.

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on symptom relief and mosquito isolation to prevent further spread.

Do not self-medicate. Taking drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen before receiving a confirmed diagnosis could worsen symptoms or cause severe complications.

Chikungunya can cause lasting health issues, commonly joint pain. For most people, this subsides within 1 to 2 weeks. However, some may experience lingering joint discomfort for months or even years. While this sounds alarming, it is typically manageable. Rest is critical during recovery. Protect your joints and avoid intense physical activity like hiking until fully recovered to reduce the risk of long-term damage.

Protecting yourself: More than just mosquito spray!

As for individuals, prevention is all about avoiding mosquito bites. Many people rely solely on floral-scented sprays. However, certain sprays on the market do not contain effective mosquito repellents. These may reduce itching but do little to deter mosquitoes. So, for effective protection, use repellents that contain active ingredients such as DEET and IR3535.

Here are some recommendations to prevent infection:

     1. Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves and pants offer better coverage. Light-colored clothing is preferable.

     2. Apply effective repellent to exposed skin and clothing.

     3. Limit outdoor activity after intense exercise: Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and high levels of CO₂. Shower promptly after workouts to reduce your exposing risk to mosquitoes.

     4. Avoid peak mosquito hours: Aedes mosquitoes are most active during early morning and dusk (around 7–9 AM and PM).