Chikungunya - The Symptoms

Chikungunya is a mosquito transmitted virus which has evolved since the 1950's , becoming more widespread. It has recently been  reported in the Caribbean and France.  The symptoms usually appear within 3- 7 days of a bite which are high fever and disabling painful joints, most often in the hands and feet. People who have contracted chikungunya may also suffer with nausea, vomiting, headaches and a rash. Between 72 - 93% of infected people become symptomatic. Death is rare.

It is reported that acute symptoms last for around  one to two weeks, although some people suffer with painful joints for months or even years afterwards.

The symptoms are very similar to another disease called Dengue. 

Dengue is transmitted by the same mosquito as chikungunya,  and displays similar symptoms. 

Dengue is also a killer.

An incidence reported in France mainland recently occurred in two children aged 8 and 10 who had returned from a visit to  Martinique.  They both had acute fever and painful joints. The boy had swollen knees and they both had rashes on their bodies. 

The most vulnerable are the elderly and the very young and those with underlying medical conditions.

Complications due to an episode of the Chikungunya virus include painful eye conditions, retinitis and uveitis. Inflammation of the liver, kidney and the meninges of the brain.  Some patients have repeated relapses of rheumatologic symptoms after the acute phase has passed.