Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV): transmitted by day-biting mosquito.
Primarily seen in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, France, Italy, but the first cases in the Western Hemisphere (the Caribbean) were reported this week.
Clinical Presentation:
Similar to dengue: fever, headache, muscle pain, rash, joint pain, mild bleeding dyscrasia
Prolonged, incapacitating joint pain often seen
Diagnosis
Based off of clinical features, travel to affected area
ELISA available through CDC
Treatment
Supportive: fever reducers, fluids, avoid aspirin
Bottom line:
Chikungunya virus can cause symptoms similar to dengue fever but is not as deadly. This week the first cases of CHIKV were reported in the Caribbean. Consider this in travelers returning from endemic areas.
Distinguishing features:
Pain is more intense and localized to joints and tendons in CHIKV
Onset of fever is more acute and duration is shorter in CHIKV
Shock or severe hemorrhage is rare in CHIKV
University of Maryland Section for Global Emergency Health
