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Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a disease caused by a virus. It is widespread in many continents, particularly Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It has also been reported in parts of the Americas and some European countries, including Italy and France. Most epidemics occur during the rainy season.

Symptoms

Fever and severe joint pains. Other symptoms can include headache, muscle pains, rashes, fatigue and nausea.

How do you catch chikungunya?
Infected daytime-biting mosquitos transmit the virus. Peak times tend to be early morning and late afternoon.

Incubation period
4 – 8 days

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms and confirmed by a blood test.

Prevention
Chikungunya is prevented by avoiding mosquito bites, through use of an effective insect repellent and wearing long, loose-fitting clothing. A single dose of Chikungunya Fever vaccination can be considered by travellers who are at high risk of infection.

Treatment
Symptoms resolve with time but rest and painkillers can help.

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Vaccination options

 

Two vaccines are available:

IXCHIQ® is a live vaccine, for individuals 18-60 years old. Not suitable for everyone.

Vimkunya® is a virus like particle vaccine for individuals 12 years and older.

 

Level of protection:

IXCHIQ Sero-response 98.9% one month after vaccination reducing to 96.6% after 3 years.

Vimkunya demonstrated a Sero-response of 98% after vaccination falling to 86% at 6 months. In adults over 65 years, a Sero-response of 87% was detected 22 days after vaccination which reduced to 76% at 6 months.

 

Protection duration: The need for a booster has not yet been established.

 

How is it given: IXCHIQ 0.5ml intramuscular injection in the deltoid muscle. Vimkunya 0.8ml intramuscular injection in the deltoid muscle.

 

Ideally start: IXCHIQ ideally 4 weeks prior to departure and Vimkunya ideally two weeks prior to departure.

 

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Did you know?

  • Chikungunya predominantly occurred in tropical and subtropical Asia and Africa. However, in recent year, it has spread to parts of Europe and the USA.
  • Emptying containers of standing water will help in the reduction of mosquito breeding areas
  • The name 'chikungunya' comes from the Swahili term for a stooped walk, in reference to the joint pain experienced during the illness