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Moderate severity
· General Physician
Chikungunya
Mosquito-borne viral fever
A mosquito-borne viral infection causing sudden high fever and severe joint pain that can persist for weeks or months.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Outbreaks in monsoon season
- Typical age
- All ages
- Outlook
- Self-limiting; joint pain may linger
- System
- Lungs
Reviewed by a verified General Physician doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Chikungunya virus from Aedes mosquitoes
- Daytime mosquito bites
- Stagnant water breeding sites
- Monsoon and post-monsoon season
- Travel to outbreak areas
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Sudden high fever
- Severe joint and muscle pain
- Rash and headache
- Swollen joints
- Extreme fatigue
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Rest, fluids and paracetamol
- Avoid NSAIDs until dengue is ruled out
- Physiotherapy for lingering joint pain
- Monitor hydration
- No specific antiviral exists
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Remove stagnant water weekly
- Use mosquito repellent and nets
- Wear full-sleeved clothing
- Use window screens
Do’s
- Empty water coolers and containers weekly
- Use repellents in the daytime
- Rest and hydrate well
- Report persistent joint pain
Don’ts
- Let water collect around the home
- Self-medicate with strong painkillers
- Ignore dehydration
- Assume one infection gives lifelong cover for all fevers
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.