Chikungunya

In Kimakonde, a language spoken in Tanzania and Mozambique, ‘Chikungunya’ means ‘to become contorted’ (bent out of normal shape), which may result from severe joint pain.¹

When you’re bitten by mosquitoes carrying the virus. These mosquitoes may also be carrying other viruses such as Dengue Fever.¹

Cases have been reported in over a hundred countries, including much of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, India, China and many other areas of Asia and Southeast Asia (see map).²

Sudden onset of fever, pain in the joints and muscles, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. The joint pain can be debilitating.¹

Symptoms usually occur between 4 and 8 days after being bitten but can occur between 2 and 12 days, therefore you may start to feel ill when you are back home after your trip.¹

Serious cases are not common and most people make a full recovery. But pain in the joints can last for months or even years and while symptoms can be treated, there is no known cure for the infection.¹

You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of infection:

• Visit your nearest convenient pharmacy or specialist travel health clinic for a risk assessment before your trip
• Use a recommended insect repellent containing either Picaridin, DEET, PMD or OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus), IR3535 or 2-undecanone³
• Wear appropriate clothing (e.g loose fitting long-sleeved clothes, long trousers, socks and shoes) to minimise exposed skin^4,5
• Use mosquito nets if you are sleeping or resting in unscreened accommodation or sleeping outdoors during the day or night⁴