Basic Information: vectors, hosts – Clinical information: Incubation period, Symptoms/presentation, Atypical manifestations, Differential diagnosis, -- Case Management: Actute disease, Subacute & chronic disease – Outcome – Diagnosis – Who to Test – Reporting – Prevention.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) transmitted principally by mosquitoes. Chikungunya derives from a Makonde word meaning “that which bends,” describing the stooped appearance of persons suffering with the characteristic, severe arthralgia. Outbreaks have been described in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Indian Ocean islands. A 2007 outbreak in northern Italy highlighted the risk of local transmission of the virus in the US via imported cases. Like Italy, the US harbors competent mosquito vectors and naïve hosts, which creates a potential for emergence of CHIKV. Given the risk of introduction, and the potential for significant morbidity due to CHIKV, timely diagnosis and alerting public health officials to suspect cases is critical to protect against a future outbreak in the US. CDC and PAHO have developed a preparedness and response plan that elaborates on information provided below, available at: http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/.

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection