Blood tests may be done. They will look for the virus and antibodies. Antibodies are substances the body creates when infected. Other blood tests may be done to look for problems.

Treatment

The goal is to treat the symptoms. Hospital care may be needed if symptoms are severe. Treatment options are:

Rest
Medicines to ease symptoms, such as:
- Acetaminophen—to control fever
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)—to control pain
- Short-term narcotics or corticosteroids—sometimes used for severe pain

Prevention

The risk of a chikungunya infection may be lowered by:

Avoiding travel to areas with outbreaks
Avoiding mosquito bites by:
- Covering up the skin
- Using bug sprays, netting, and screens

RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https//www.cdc.gov

World Health Organization
http://www.who.int

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

International Center for Infectious Diseases
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

References:

Chikungunya. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/pdfs/CHIKV_FACTSHEET_CDC_Generalpublic(09-17-2014).pdf. Accessed March 30, 2021.

Chikungunya fever (CHIK). Florida Health website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed March 30, 2021.

Chikungunya fever. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chikungunya-fever . Accessed March 30, 2021.

Chikungunya. World Health Organization website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed March 30, 2021.

Vairo F, Haider N, et al. Chikungunya: epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, management, and prevention. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2019;33(4):1003-1025.

Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 3/30/2021

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