Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus which is spread through mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya bite during the day, from sunrise to sunset, especially at dawn and dusk. They breed in natural and man-made containers (for example flowerpots and old tyres) and these are a risk factor for transmission if left around human habitation.
CHIKV was first isolated after an outbreak in Tanzania in the 1950s. It now occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world but has also been found in parts of Europe and the USA. The mosquito that transmits CHIKV has spread very widely and has become a major global health problem.
Chikungunya is an unpleasant disease but is rarely fatal. Symptoms usually start about 4-8 days from a bite by an infected mosquito and include:
- sudden high fever
- severe joint pains (arthralgia) and muscle pains (myalgia)
- headaches
- sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- skin rashes
The symptoms usually improve within 1-2 weeks, but the joint pains can be severe and may persist for months or even years.
Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Treatment consists of rest, fluids and medicines for pain and fever, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Travellers visiting areas with on-going outbreaks are at risk of being infected with CHIKV. The risk areas are constantly changing and evolving, and travellers should check the latest information on outbreaks before they travel. Outbreaks of chikungunya in new areas are recorded in the Outbreak Surveillance section of our website. Travellers can check whether there is a risk of chikungunya in a country by looking at the 'Other Risks' tab; 'Biting insects or ticks' section of our Country Information pages.
Prevention
Travellers should seek advice from a health professional prior to travel for information on the risk of chikungunya at their destination.
Mosquito bite avoidance is recommended, particularly during daytime hours.
Two new vaccines have recently been approved for use in the UK, the European Union, and the USA. IXCHIQ® is a live vaccine approved in the UK for individuals 18 years and older. Vimkunya® (CHIKV VLP vaccine) is a virus like particle vaccine for individuals 12 years and older. Guidance on recommendations for these vaccines will be published by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in due course. Health professionals offering these vaccines must ensure they are adequately informed on their use. As the guidance for pre-travel risk assessment for chikungunya vaccine has yet to be established and may be complex, health professionals may wish to wait for the JCVI guidance before providing these vaccines to travellers.
As of May 7, 2025, 17 serious adverse events, have been reported in individuals 62 through 89 years of age who received IXCHIQ® during post marketing use globally. Many of the people affected also had other illnesses and the exact cause of these adverse events and their relationship with the vaccine have not yet been determined. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending a pause in the use of IXCHIQ® in individuals 60 years of age and older while an in-depth review is ongoing.
The JCVI will consider these reports as part of their review.
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Recent News on Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccination information
Chikungunya vaccinations authorised in the UK including updates on recent possible serious adverse events in older people in post marketing surveillance
Updated: 14 May 2025Recent Chikungunya Outbreaks
Chikungunya in Sri Lanka
As of 14 March 2025, a total of 173 chikungunya cases were reported in Colombo, Gampaha and Kandy (22 cases in November and December 2024, and 151 cases during 2025). Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on chikungunya.
Chikungunya in Réunion
As of 12 May 2025, over 47,500 confirmed chikungunya cases and over 170,000 consultations for suspected chikungunya have been reported since August 2024. In 2025, a total of 340 hospital admissions, with 12 deaths linked to chikungunya, have been reported. All municipalities have reported cases, with southern areas most affected, particularly Le Tampon. The French National Authority for Health (HAS) have withdrawn vaccination in people over 65 years whilst a small number of possible adverse reactions in this age group are investigated. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on chikungunya.
Chikungunya in Mayotte
As of 9 May 2025, a total of 139 chikungunya cases, with five hospital admissions, have now been reported in Mayotte in 2025. This total includes 29 imported cases, 58 locally acquired cases and 52 cases currently under investigation. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on chikungunya.
Chikungunya in Mauritius
As of 2 April 2025, a total of 17 locally acquired chikungunya cases have been reported in Mauritius for 2025. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on chikungunya.
