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Travelers' Health Search Submit Travelers' Health Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate Chikungunya in Costa Rica Level 4 - Avoid All Travel Level 3 - Reconsider Nonessential Travel Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions Guanacaste Province in Costa Rica ( see larger map ) What is chikungunya? Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3 – 7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya.