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Living with Chikungunya fever

A mosquito-spread viral infection that causes fever and severe joint pain.

Understanding Chikungunya fever

Chikungunya fever is an infection caused by the Chikungunya virus, which is spread by mosquitoes.

It causes fever and severe joint pain (arthralgia). It can occur at any time in life.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Fever
  • Joint pain and arthritis
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Flat, discolored areas of skin (macules)
  • Swelling in the feet

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which tests can confirm Chikungunya?
What can help with joint pain and fever?
How can I avoid mosquito bites in the future?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life

Chikungunya fever is caused by the Chikungunya virus, which is spread by mosquitoes.

InfectiousNeurological

Also known as: chikungunya; chikungunya hemorrhagic fever; chikungunya virus caused disease or disorder; chikungunya virus disease or disorder; chikungunya virus infectious disease

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Chikungunya feverGARD ID 6038 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Chikungunya fever.

Explore the Chikungunya fever blog

Explore research for Chikungunya fever

Explore actively recruiting Chikungunya fever studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Chikungunya fever with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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I can help you find recruiting Chikungunya fever studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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