How does Chikungunya virus spread to humans?

Chikungunya virus is primarily spread to humans by mosquito bites. The main culprits are Aedes mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already carrying the virus. Once the mosquitoes are infected, they can spread the virus to other people through their bites.

Key Points:

• Mosquito Vectors: Aedes mosquitoes are the main vectors, meaning they are the ones that carry and spread the virus.
• Infection Cycle: When a mosquito bites an infected person, it can pick up the virus. After a few days, the mosquito can then transmit the virus to another person through a bite.
• Global Spread: The virus has spread to many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas, largely due to the widespread presence of Aedes mosquitoes in these regions.

In some cases, there might be other ways the virus spreads, such as from mother to child during birth, but these are not the main routes of transmission.