Chikungunya Symptoms: When to See a Doctor and What to Expect

Chikungunya is a common health issue in many parts of India, especially during and after the monsoon season, when mosquitoes breed rapidly. 

Chikungunya is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which also spreads dengue and Zika viruses. These mosquitoes are most active during the day, so prevention is challenging.

People infected with Chikungunya experience sudden high fever and severe joint pain, which makes movement difficult. The symptoms of chikungunya are common with other illnesses like dengue. Therefore, understanding these symptoms can help you differentiate Chikungunya from other common infections and seek the right care quickly.

Let's understand Chikungunya's common and atypical symptoms, how it develops, important diagnostic tests, treatment options, and practical prevention tips. 

How Does Chikungunya Spread?

The virus spreads when a mosquito bites a person already infected with the virus, and then bites someone else, passing on the infection. It does not spread directly from person to person.

Common Symptoms of Chikungunya

Symptoms of chikungunya appear between 3 and 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, but in some cases, they can show up as soon as two days or as late as 12 days after the bite. Here’s what you’re most likely to experience:

• High Fever

The hallmark of Chikungunya is a sudden high fever that can spike as high as 102°F to 104°F (39°C to 40°C). It starts suddenly and lasts for 2 to 3 days.

• Severe Joint Pain

Chikungunya fever causes severe joint pain that results in a bent or hunched posture. The pain is symmetrical, which means it affects both sides of the body and often hits the knees, ankles, wrists, and small joints of the hands and feet.

• Muscle Pain

Along with joint pain, many people experience muscle aches and stiffness, which makes movement quite difficult during the peak of illness.

• Headache

A constant, intense headache accompanies the fever and body aches.

• Fatigue and Weakness

Feeling extremely tired and weak is common, and this fatigue can stay even after other symptoms improve.

• Skin Rash

Many people develop a rash that can appear 2 to 5 days after the fever starts. It causes small red spots or patches and may be itchy.

• Nausea and Vomiting

Some people complain of gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Other Symptoms

• Swelling of joints
• Eye redness (conjunctivitis)
• Sore throat

Atypical Chikungunya Symptoms

As mentioned above, the symptoms of chikungunya are common; however, some symptoms might be rare. These are-

• Neurological symptoms: These can include confusion, seizures, or even encephalitis, which is rare.
• Eye complications: Some people experience eye pain, redness, or conjunctivitis.
• Cardiac issues: In rare cases, inflammation of the heart muscles (myocarditis) can occur.
• Bleeding: Although uncommon, some patients may have mild bleeding tendencies.

See medical attention immediately if you notice any symptoms other than fever and joint pain. 

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience the following, it’s time to seek medical help:

• High fever lasting more than 5 days
• Severe joint pain that makes your daily activities challenging
• Symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop
• Signs of dehydration (like dark urine, dizziness)
• Any other concerning symptoms, or if you have other health conditions

Common Causes of Chikungunya

Chikungunya is caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The two main mosquito species responsible are:

• Aedes aegypti
• Aedes albopictus

These mosquitoes are active mostly during the day and breed in stagnant water close to human habitations, such as water containers, flower pots, and discarded tires. Once bitten by an infected mosquito, the virus enters the blood and begins to multiply, causing the symptoms mentioned above.

The virus does not spread directly from person to person; it requires a mosquito to transmit it.

How Long Do Symptoms Last?

After being bitten by an infected mosquito, the incubation period is usually 3 to 7 days, but it can range from 2 to 12 days.

• The symptoms of chikungunya, like rash and fever, resolve within a week.
• In some cases, joint symptoms persist for years, mimicking chronic arthritis.

Important Blood Test for Chikungunya Diagnosis

Here are some important blood tests to diagnose Chikungunya.

• Chikungunya DNA Detection Test by PCR: This test detects viral RNA during the first week of illness. It is the most definitive test early on.
• Serology (IgM and IgG antibody tests): These detect antibodies your immune system produces in response to the virus. IgM antibodies appear around 4-7 days after symptoms start, indicating recent infection, while IgG antibodies suggest past infection.
• Complete blood count (CBC): In a CBC test, the white blood cells and platelets are low during the acute phase.

Your doctor might recommend these tests to differentiate Chikungunya from other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue or Zika, which share similar symptoms.

How are Chikungunya Symptoms Managed?

There’s no specific antiviral treatment for Chikungunya, so management focuses on relieving symptoms:

1. Rest and Hydration

- Relax, rest to recover your body, and drink fluids to avoid dehydration.

2. Pain Relief

• Your doctor may recommend Acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce fever and relieve pain.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may be used to ease joint pain, but should be avoided until dengue is ruled out because of bleeding risks.

3. Physical Therapy

For persistent joint pain, gentle exercises and physiotherapy can help restore movement and reduce stiffness.

4. Avoid Aspirin

Aspirin and other blood thinners should be avoided initially due to bleeding risk, especially if dengue is suspected.

5. Follow-Up

If joint pain continues beyond a few weeks, consult a rheumatologist, as sometimes Chikungunya can trigger chronic arthritis.

Chikungunya vs. Dengue: How to Tell the Difference?

Both diseases share similar symptoms and mosquito vectors, but:

Symptom	Chikungunya	Dengue
Fever	Sudden high fever	High fever
Joint pain	Severe, debilitating	Mild to moderate
Rash	Common	Common but different pattern
Bleeding	Rare	Can be severe
Hospitalization	Usually outpatient	Often requires hospitalization

If unsure, always get tested by a healthcare professional.

What are the Complications of Chikungunya?

Though most people recover fully, complications can occur in:

• Older adults (above 65 years)
• Infants
• People with weak immunity or pre-existing health conditions

Possible complications include:

• Chronic joint pain and arthritis: Joint symptoms may last months to years, mimicking rheumatoid arthritis.
• Neurological complications: Encephalitis, meningitis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome, although rare, can be serious.
• Eye problems: Inflammation that may affect vision.
• Heart issues: Myocarditis or other cardiac complications, rarely.

Early diagnosis and supportive care help reduce the risk of complications.

How to prevent Chikungunya?

There is no vaccine available to prevent Chikungunya yet; prevention is key.

1. Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
• Wear long sleeves and pants, especially when mosquitoes bite during the day.
• Use mosquito nets.

2. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites

• Regularly empty or cover water containers.
• Remove stagnant water from flower pots, buckets, tires, and other places where mosquitoes breed.

Conclusion

Chikungunya can be dangerous, but knowing the symptoms can save you. If you get a sudden fever, joint pain, rash, or tiredness, it might be Chikungunya. Consult your doctor before it becomes complicated. Your doctor might advise you to take a blood test for chikungunya. You can also get a Chikungunya test from Redcliffe Labs to identify and prevent the complications. Most people get better in a week or two, but sometimes joint pain can last longer.

FAQ's

1. How to recover from chikungunya fast?

Focusing on rest, hydration, and managing symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers will help people recover from chikungunya quickly. 

2. How long does chikungunya body pain last?

The initial acute phase of chikungunya, including fever and joint pain, lasts for 7 to 10 days.

3. What food is good for chikungunya?

Foods like citrus fruits, berries, spinach, kale, and lean protein sources are good for Chikungunya..

4. How to stop the spread of chikungunya?

To prevent the spread of chikungunya, use mosquito repellents, wear full-sleeved clothing, and use mosquito nets.