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.

Don't Let the Bugs Bite

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.

Symptoms

An infected person will typically become ill 3-7 days after the mosquito bite, but symptoms can begin anywhere from 2-12 days post-bite. These symptoms can last 3-10 days.

Up to 28% of people who are infected will not have any symptoms (asymptomatic), although they can still be infectious to mosquitoes for a short time if bitten.

Treatment is symptomatic or supportive.

  • Sudden high fever (usually higher than 102º F) which may be continuous or intermittent
  • Severe joint pain that commonly involves the hands and feet
  • Joint swelling
  • Back pain
  • Rash usually 2-5 days after fever starts
  • Other symptoms may include headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and redness around the eyes. In unusual cases, infection can involve the brain, eyes, heart, kidney, and other organs
  • Fatal infections are rare, however many patients have chronic joint pain, arthritis, loss of energy, and depression lasting weeks to years
Individuals at Risk of Severe Illness

Persons at greatest risk for severe illness include newborn infants, those over 65 years of age, and those who have other health conditions.

Travel Notices

View areas at risk and current travel notices for Chikungunya.

Information for Health Care Providers

Disease Reporting Requirement

All practitioners, health care facilities, and laboratories in Florida are required to notify the Florida Department of Health of diseases or conditions of public health significance under section 381.0031, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 64D-3, Florida Administrative Code.

Training

Webinar Presentation – For a recording of the April 1, 2014 training, please contact:

Epi.Training@FLHealth.gov (add CHIK Training in the subject line)

Surveillance and Data

Chikungunya in the U.S. (CDC)

Chikungunya Data (WHO)