Description
CHIKV can be classified as an Arbovirus or Arthropod Bourne Virus because of its transmission via mosquitoes.
Symptoms include fever and joint pains. These typically occur two to twelve days after exposure. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and a rash. Symptoms usually improve within a week; however, occasionally the joint pain may last for months or years. The risk of death is around 1 in 1,000. The very young, old, and those with other health problems are at risk of more severe disease.
Rarely, neurological disorders have been reported in association with Chikungunya virus, including Guillain–Barré syndrome, palsies, meningoencephalitis, flaccid paralysis and neuropathy.
In contrast to dengue fever, Chikungunya fever very rarely causes hemorrhagic complications.