Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It is characterized by fever, severe joint pain, and rash. The symptoms usually appear 3 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can last for a week or longer.
While chikungunya is rarely fatal, it can lead to long-term joint pain in some individuals. There is no specific antiviral treatment for the disease, so management focuses on relieving symptoms, such as using pain relievers and staying hydrated. Preventive measures include avoiding mosquito bites and controlling mosquito populations.