Chikungunya fever (CHIK) is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, similar to West Nile and dengue.
Chikungunya fever outbreaks have been reported in Africa, southern Europe, Southeast Asia, India, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Locally acquired chikungunya cases have not been reported from U.S. states or territories since 2019.
Chikungunya and Dengue
It is important to note that a person can be infected with Chikungunya and dengue viruses at the same time as they are both carried by the same types of mosquitoes. Testing is the only way for a health care provider to definitively differentiate the virus.
Disease Prevention
Learn about steps that can be taken to help prevent mosquito and tick bites and ways to maximize protection against vector-borne illnesses.
Transmission
Chikungunya virus is spread by two mosquito species: Aedes aegypti(primarily) and Aedes albopictus, both found in Florida. While the virus is not currently found in the state, introductions are possible if an infected visitor or returning traveler is bitten by Florida mosquitoes in the early stages (the first week) of their illness. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people they bite.