Centers for Disease Control Chikungunya virus disease cases reported by state or territory – United States, as of August 5, 2014
Outbreaks of the disease have occurred in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The chikungunya virus was found for the first time on islands in the Caribbean in the last months of 2013. As with many viruses the risk of spread is increased with global travel and in 2014 there has been further spread of the virus into the United States. To date Florida is the only state to report an infection from local contact with an infected mosquito.
Common symptoms of the virus are fever and joint pain, which people have described as “bone crushing” pain. Other symptoms include headache, joint swelling and rash. There is no specific treatment for the disease. There is no vaccine for the virus. Though rarely fatal, like many viruses, newborns, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions are at greater risk for more severe symptoms.
Key to prevention of the disease is personal responsibility for mosquito control such as reduction of breeding areas around the home, use of mosquito repellents, wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants, and reducing time outdoors in heavily infected area.
Travelers should refer to the Guide for Mosquito Control.
Centers for Disease Control
