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Chikungunya virus
What is it?
Chikungunya is vector-borne viral disease that is caused by the chikungunya virus1,2. It is prevalent in the Americas, Asia and Africa with large outbreaks and case numbers reported each year2. People become infected with chikungunya through the bite of an infected mosquito3.
In 2004-2005 a chikungunya epidemic spread across the Indian Ocean before extending globally, affecting around half a million people4. Similar patterns of transmission and outbreaks are now being observed in 2025, with large outbreaks in the Indian Ocean islands, and imported cases being identified in Europe4.
Since the start of 2025 to the beginning of June, there have been around 220,000 cases and 80 deaths of chikungunya reported in 14 countries5. Countries with the highest reported case numbers are in the Americas, including Brazil (141,436), Argentina (2,521) and Bolivia (605)5. Epidemic transmission is occurring in South Asia, with over 33,000 cases having been reported, including in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan4,5, and more recently a large outbreak in China, with over 7000 cases reported since July6. There have been no locally acquired cases reported in Australia, however the mosquitos that spread the virus are present in parts of Queensland1,5.
The tiger mosquito (aedes albopictus) is one of the common vectors that spreads the chikungunya virus, primarily active during daylight hours and known to be spreading further as global warming increases due to climate change4.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of chikungunya are debilitating fever and joint pain, as well as joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and a rash2. These symptoms are similar to that of dengue and Zika2. Severe symptoms that include eye, heart and neurological problems and death caused from chikungunya are rare, and are usually seen in the elderly with co-existing health problems, or young babies2.
The onset of symptoms is usually 4-8 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, with symptoms usually lasting a few days to full recovery within a few weeks2,7.
How is it transmitted?
Chikungunya virus spreads when people infected with the virus are bitten by a mosquito that then bites another person3. Chikungunya does not spread from person-to-person, though transmission can occur through blood transfusions, drawling blood from an infected person or in laboratory settings when there are high levels of the virus present in blood3.
At risk groups?
People are considered at risk if they spend time in a place where chikungunya occurs3. People at increased risk of severe disease include older adults over the age of 65 years, young babies, or people with underlying medical conditions including heart disease and diabetes7.
Prevention?
Chikungunya is prevented through measures to avoid mosquito bites, including control of mosquitos and breeding sites, insecticides and wearing clothing to minimise mosquito bites2.
There are currently no vaccines approved for use in Australia. There are two vaccines that are available for at risk populations in overseas countries, however, they are not yet in widespread use2. Current recommended for vaccine use in the United States are for people living in or travelling to high-risk areas3.
References
- Department of Health. Chikungunya virus infection. Australian Government. Updated 11 April 2025. https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/chikungunya-virus-infection
- World Health Organization. Chikungunya. WHO. Accessed 28 July, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chikungunya
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chikungunya: Causes and How it Spreads. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/causes-and-spread/index.html
- AFP. Outbreak of Chikungunya Virus Poses Global Risk, Warns WHO. ScienceAlert. Updated 23 July 2025. https://www.sciencealert.com/outbreak-of-chikungunya-virus-poses-global-risk-warns-who
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Chikungunya virus disease worldwide overview. ECDC. Updated June 2025. Accessed 28 July, 2025. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/chikungunya-monthly
- Ng K. China reports 7,000 cases of chikungunya virus. Website. BBC News. Updated 5 August 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg0edj332yo
- NSW Health. Chikungunya factsheet. NSW Health. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/chikungunya.aspx