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Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that causes acute fever and acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain in humans. Chikungunya virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus. These mosquitoes bite primarily during daylight hours. With the absence of definitive treatment and widespread vaccination, the main method to reduce transmission of CHIKV is through control of the mosquito vectors. This requires mobilization of communities, particularly to destroy breeding sites of the mosquitoes. There is a need to better understand the epidemiology of chikungunya for better prevention and control measures to be implemented. Due to the challenges in reporting and diagnosis, the number of people affected by chikungunya is underestimated. It is important for health care workers to have a high index of suspicion to request for the right diagnostic tests since chikungunya, dengue and zika have similar symptoms.

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an RNA virus in the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae. In August 2007, an outbreak of autochthonous chikungunya virus infections was declared in Italy for the first time in Europe. For international travelers, people traveling to areas of active CHIKV transmission should apply basic precautions, including the prevention of mosquito bites by the use of insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and ensuring rooms are fitted with nets to prevent mosquitoes from entering their rooms and houses. Prevention of infection by avoiding mosquito bites is the best protection. According to the World Health Organization, patients suspected of having CHIKV infection should avoid getting mosquito bites during the first week of illness to prevent further transmission to mosquitoes, who may, in turn, infect other people. This measure is crucial for preventing the spread of chikungunya to areas with little or no transmission.