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While Chikungunya is rarely deadly, the virus is still a threat to many types of travelers.

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Chikungunya Vaccine

Chikungunya is a viral disease that spreads through mosquito bites. The virus has origins that stretch back to the 1950’s in Tanzania. This is where chikungunya earned its name. It loosely translates to “walking bent over” in Makonde. The virus causes joint and muscle aches that often causes a person to bend over with back pain. While most chikungunya symptoms are short-lived, joint pain can become a long-term issue.

Once infected with chikungunya, it can take three to seven days before symptoms begin. Along with the joint and muscle pain, a fever will present as the first signs of infection. Even in severe cases, chikungunya rarely causes death. Other than joint pain, symptoms usually only last for a few days.

Chikungunya is one of many viruses that spreads via the Aedes aegypti mosquito. A female mosquito bites an infected human and contracts the virus. The mosquito then spreads it to other humans via biting.

These mosquitoes usually bite during the day. But, can also be found at night in well-lit areas. The Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are also known to carry chikungunya.

The virus rarely transmits from a pregnant mother to their newborn child. There are no instances of the virus spreading through breastfeeding. Although the virus can be spread via blood transfusion, there are no cases of this happening.

Chikungunya is most often diagnosed based on symptoms of the virus. These are most commonly fever and joint pain. Blood testing is used to confirm diagnosis if chikungunya is suspected. If you are in or have been to a region with chikungunya and are experiencing symptoms of infection, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

At this time, there is no medication specifically designed to treat chikungunya. Rest, fluids and pain relievers are the most common forms of treatment. Serious cases may require continue observation by healthcare professionals.

Although chikungunya is rarely fatal, the virus can be debilitating. Most people infected with the virus will show symptoms. The symptoms are similar to dengue, with chikungunya often mistaken for the virus. The symptoms often take at least a few days to begin, although they can start within 24 hours.

Chikungunya’s symptoms include: fever, joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, rash and nausea.

Some cases brought on nosebleeds and bleeding gums.

While joint and muscle pain may continue for months or years after infection.

The virus does pose an increased risks to the elderly. The symptoms can cause complications with chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease.

The long-term effects of chikungunya are still under study. In most cases, symptoms resolve within seven to 10 days. But, some patients report joint pain symptoms for months after the early stages of infection have passed. Up to 80% of patients who have been diagnosed with chikungunya report persistent joint pains and fatigue for months or years after illness.

Unlike Zika, chikungunya does not show significantly different symptoms for pregnant individuals nor their children. Chikungunya rarely passes from the parent to the fetus. But, in cases where infection has spread to the fetus, there are risks of serious complications. Those who are pregnant or may become pregnant are advised to speak with a healthcare professional before traveling to the region and may want to consider vaccination.

The chikungunya vaccine is an immunization designed to protect individuals from the chikungunya virus. This vaccine helps your body produce antibodies by introducing it to a weakened form of the infection. While the vaccine is the best form of protection against chikungunya, taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites is still recommended.

Use of repellents and netting are highly recommended to avoid mosquito bites and potential chikungunya infection. Wearing long sleeves and pants or other clothing that covers areas where mosquitoes may bite is also recommended. Try to avoid being outdoors during peak ‘mosquito hours’, primarily in the morning or evening, especially around water.

The chikungunya vaccine is recommended for all individuals traveling to areas where the disease is present, especially an outbreak.

The vaccine is not recommended for certain individuals, including:

  • Individuals with a weakened immune system
  • If you had a severe allergic reactions to vaccines in the past, or have a known allergy to a component of the vaccine.
  • Be sure to consult with your primary care physician if you are pregnant and would like to recieve the vaccine.

Map of regions with chikungunya
Source: CDC

Chikungunya was contained to parts of Africa and Asia for decades. In recent years, the virus has spread along the Indian Ocean, the Americas and regions in Europe. While the virus can spread to any area that has Aedes aegypti or albopictus mosquitoes, some of these countries don’t have the virus at the moment.

Chikungunya is now endemic in over 100 countries throughout the world. Some regions are more likely to have the virus than others.

  • East Timor – An ongoing outbreak is occuring in the region. Travlers are advised to take precautions including vaccination. Pregnant travelers should reconsider their trip.

Passport Health travel clinics offer the chikungunya vaccine for those traveling to effected regions. Call or schedule online now to book your chikungunya vaccination.

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