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Chikungunya is an infection in humans caused by the chikungunya virus.
The chikungunya virus is present in Africa, southeast Asia, the Indian
subcontinent and Indian Ocean islands, where a number of outbreaks have
occurred.
How chikungunya is spread
Humans and other primates are the natural hosts for the chikungunya
virus. The virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected female
Aedes species mosquito – Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus. These are
the same tropical and sub-tropical mosquitoes that carry the dengue
virus. They breed in or near human habitations and prefer to feed on
humans during the daytime in shady areas, but may also bite early in the
night.
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In Australia, Aedes aegypti currently is found in north Queensland while
Aedes albopictus is found in a few locations in the Torres Strait.
Infections reported in Australia are from people who have travelled
overseas to regions where the chikungunya virus is present.
To date chikungunya virus infection has not been transmitted by
mosquitoes in Australia. However, since the mosquitoes capable of
transmitting the infection are found in northern Australia there is the
potential for this to occur.
Signs and symptoms
Chikungunya infection is characterised by sudden onset of:
high fever
severe joint pain mainly in the arms and legs
headache
muscle pain
back pain
rash (about 50% of affected people).
Most people start to feel better after 7 to 10 days although some people
will develop longer term joint pain.
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Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on signs and symptoms and confirmed with a blood
test.
Incubation period
(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)
Typically 3 to 7days with a range of 1 to 12 days.
Infectious period
(time during which an infected person can infect others)
Chikungunya cannot be spread directly from person to person.
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Treatment
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya infection. The use of
pain medication and rest can provide relief for some of the symptoms.
Prevention
Exclusion from childcare, preschool, school or work is not necessary but
infected people should avoid being bitten by mosquitoes while they are
unwell.
There is no vaccine to prevent infection.
Personal protection and the environmental management of mosquitoes are
important in preventing illness. See Fight the Bite for tips how to
protect yourself and your family from mosquito bourne diseases. |