Chikungunya Fever

Is a mosquito borne viral illness found in Africa, India and SE Asia. Chikungunya is Swahili for 'that which bends up' which refers to affected people's stooped posture caused by joint pains. Symptoms are similar to dengue fever - fever, headache, nausea, rash and joint pains that last for 3-7 days.

It is not life threatening, but some people may have joint stiffness that can last for months.
Diagnosis can be made with a blood test although it is treated with symptomatic measures.

It is important to rule out the more serious malaria or dengue fever, which have similar features.

Chikungunya information websites:
WebMD http://my.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/nord 145.asp?src=Inktomi&condition=healthwise

PeaceCorps http://www.peacecorpsonline.org/messages/mess ages/467/2802.html
Facts Sheet on Chemical and Biological Warfare http://www.cbwinfo.com/Biological/Pathogens /CHIK.html