Chikungunya fever

Introduction. 

Chikungunya ("that which bends") fever is caused by a virus of the alphavirus family, most of which cause encephalitis. The Chikungunya virus is transmitted by mosquitos and is prevalent in Africa, South America and Asia. Unlike the other alphaviruses, Chikungunya fever attacks the joints (arthritis).

Summary

• Cause: Chikungunya virus (enveloped ss RNA, arbovirus)
• Transmission: Mosquito (vector)
• Symptoms: fever, joint pain and swelling; rash may occur
• Pathogenesis: inflammatory response to virus in joints
• Complications: longer-lasting joint pain, arthritis
• Treatment: supportive
• Immunity: lifelong
• Vaccine: none

References/Links

1. http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/geo/index.html
2.