Do I Have Chikungnya Virus?

Do you have a fever that come on suddenly?

Do you have pain in your joints?

Do you have the joint pain that is often very debilitating?

Do you have swelling and stiffness in the joints?

Do you have a headache?

Do you have muscle pain?

Do you feel extremely tired or fatigue?

Do you have a rash on your trunk and limbs that can last for 7 to 10 days?

Do you have nausea?

Have you traveled in the areas with a risk of chikungunya recently?

Were you bitten by mosquitoes while traveling?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have chikungunya virus. Chikungunya is a viral disease that spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is characterized by fever and severe pain in the joints, which is why it is also known as chikungunya fever. Chikungunya is common in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The first reported case of this disease in America occurred on islands in the Caribbean. People infected with the chikungunya virus usually develop symptoms within a week after being bitten by mosquito. The symptoms are usually mild, but people over 65 and people with chronic illnesses could develop severe symptoms.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have chikungunya virus. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease. It is also known as chikungunya fever due to the sudden onset of fever, usually accompanied by the joint pain. Most people recover within a week, but the pain in the joints may last for a long time, even months. Chikungunya fever has similar symptoms as Zika and dengue fever, so they can sometimes be difficult to distinguish. The diagnosis of chikungunya is based on a blood test. There is no vaccine to protect you against the chikungunya virus and no specific antiviral treatment.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have chikungunya virus. Chikungunya is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus. People get chikungunya through the bite of an infected female mosquito. So far, about 1.7 million cases of the disease have been reported in the United States. There is still no vaccine or cure for the chikungunya virus. Treatment involves supportive care. Your doctor will advise you to rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration and to take medications to control fever and reduce pain. Chikungunya fever rarely results in death, but the symptoms can be disabling and severe.