A viral infection from a mosquito bite.

People get chikungunya by being bitten by a mosquito infected with the chikungunya virus. People can't spread the virus to each other. Chikungunya is found worldwide, mainly in Africa, Asia and India. The virus can cause serious disease in older adults, people with other medical conditions, young children and pregnant people.

Symptoms usually appear within a week of infection. Fever and joint pain come on suddenly. Muscle pain, headache, fatigue and rash also can occur.

There is no cure or vaccine for chikungunya. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. Most people feel better within a week or so, after the virus runs its course. But some people have long-lasting joint and muscle pain.