What is the Chikungunya virus?

Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne virus that primarily causes fever and joint pain. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. These mosquitoes are also known to spread other diseases like dengue and Zika.

Symptoms:

1. Fever: Sudden onset of high fever is common.
2. Joint Pain: Severe joint pain, often in the hands and feet, can last for weeks or months.
3. Other Symptoms: Some people may also experience headache, muscle pain, rash, or fatigue.

Spread:

• The virus is mostly found in tropical and subtropical areas around the world.
• It can spread quickly in areas with large mosquito populations.

Prevention:

• To prevent Chikungunya, it's important to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in places with screens or air conditioning.

While the disease is rarely fatal, it can be very uncomfortable and sometimes lead to long-term joint pain. Understanding how it spreads and taking precautions can help reduce the risk of infection.