Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus which is spread through mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya bite during the day, from sunrise to sunset, especially at dawn and dusk. They breed in natural and man-made containers (for example flowerpots and old tyres) and these are a risk factor for transmission if left around human habitation.
CHIKV was first isolated after an outbreak in Tanzania in the 1950s. It now occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world but has also been found in parts of Europe and the USA. The mosquito that transmits CHIKV has spread very widely and has become a major global health problem.
Chikungunya is an unpleasant disease but is rarely fatal. Symptoms usually start about 4–8 days from a bite by an infected mosquito and include:
- sudden high fever
- severe joint pains (arthralgia) and muscle pains (myalgia)
- headaches
- sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- skin rashes
Some people can be infected with CHIKV without developing symptoms, but this is rare.
The symptoms usually improve within 1–2 weeks, but the joint pains can be severe and may persist for months or even years.
Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Treatment consists of rest, fluids and medicines for pain and fever, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Travellers visiting areas where chikungunya is endemic (present) or where there are ongoing outbreaks are at risk of being infected with CHIKV. The risk areas are constantly changing and evolving, and travellers should check the latest information on our Country Information pages before they travel.
Prevention
Travellers should seek advice from a health professional before travel for information on the risk of chikungunya at their destination.
Mosquito bite avoidance is recommended, particularly during daytime hours.
Chikungunya vaccines
Two vaccines have been approved for use in the UK.
- IXCHIQ ® is a live vaccine approved in the UK for individuals from 18 years to 59 years of age.*
- Vimkunya ® is a virus like particle vaccine approved in the UK for individuals 12 years and older.
See Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice along with the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) statement Feb 2026 below.
Currently there is no evidence of a safety signal with the use of Vimkunya ® . The JCVI did not consider it necessary to restrict the use of Vimkunya ® at this time but note that this vaccine has not been used extensively. See JCVI news item (link below) for further details on indications for vaccination.
Table 1: chikungunya vaccines schedule and recommended age range| Vaccine | Schedule | Length of protection | Age range |
| IXCHIQ ® (live attenuated vaccine) Valneva | Single 0.5ml dose given IM | The need for revaccination has not been established | 18–59 years* |
| Vimkunya ® (non-replicating virus particle vaccine) Bavarian Nordic | Single 0.8ml dose given IM | The need for revaccination has not been established | ≥12 years |