Highlights & Basics
- Chikungunya virus infection is a notifiable condition. It is important to distinguish from dengue fever and Zika virus infection, which are transmitted by the same vector.
- Most patients fully recover, but some develop chronic joint disease characterized by polyarthritis and systemic manifestations that may last for months or years and may resemble rheumatoid arthritis or a seronegative spondyloarthropathy.
- Chikungunya infection has a global distribution, thanks to a genetic change enabling the virus to be transmitted by Aedes albopictus (a more widespread Aedes vector), as well as Aedes aegypti. Locally acquired cases have been reported in the US and Europe.
- Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations and epidemiologic clues. Confirmation is via serologic detection of antibodies. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction can be used to determine whether a patient is infected with chikungunya, Zika, or dengue virus in one test. Coinfection may occur.
- There is no specific vaccine or treatment. Avoidance of mosquito bites is the best method of prevention.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
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Citations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chikungunya in the US. Oct 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chikungunya virus: diagnostic testing. Jan 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Brito CAA, Marques CDL, Falcão MB, et al. Update on the treatment of musculoskeletal manifestations in chikungunya fever: a guideline. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2020;53:e20190517.[Abstract][Full Text]
Burt FJ, Rolph MS, Rulli NE, et al. Chikungunya: a re-emerging virus. Lancet. 2012 Feb 18;379(9816):662-71.[Abstract]
World Health Organization; Pan American Health Organization. Tool for the diagnosis and care of patients with suspected arboviral diseases. 2017 [internet publication].[Full Text]
World Health Organization. Guidelines on clinical management of chikungunya fever. Dec 2019 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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47. Simon F, Javelle E, Oliver M, et al. Chikungunya virus infection. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2011 Jun;13(3):218-28.[Abstract][Full Text]
48. Burt FJ, Rolph MS, Rulli NE, et al. Chikungunya: a re-emerging virus. Lancet. 2012 Feb 18;379(9816):662-71.[Abstract]
49. Malvy D, Ezzedine K, Mamani-Matsuda M, et al. Destructive arthritis in a patient with chikungunya virus infection with persistent specific IgM antibodies. BMC Infect Dis. 2009 Dec 10;9:200.[Abstract][Full Text]
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