Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-12-05
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Chikungunya Fever has recently broken out in Hong Kong, with confirmed cases rising to 50. What are the symptoms of Chikungunya Fever? What are its transmission routes? How does it differ from the common Dengue Fever? The Bowtie Health Information Team explains all.
Chikungunya Outbreak in Hong Kong: Latest News
As of October 27th, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 50 confirmed cases of Chikungunya fever, comprising 1 local case and 49 imported cases. The first local case involved an 82-year-old female resident of Fung Tak Estate, Wong Tai Sin, who developed swollen ankles on October 18th, followed by fever and joint pain on October 22nd. Her activities were mainly confined to the estate, including morning exercises, shopping, and picking up her grandchild from school. Four close contacts at home are currently asymptomatic.
The imported cases range in age from 1 to 79 years old. This includes a 12-year-old boy from Kwun Tong, who was the first imported case in August and had previously stayed in Foshan, Guangdong for two weeks. Among the three new cases reported on October 27th, one is a 55-year-old female employee at the Christian Evangelical Centre for the Deaf in Fung Tak Estate, who visited Shanwei and Shenzhen in mid-October. Another case is a 77-year-old male patient with chronic illnesses who passed away in October due to complications from an imported case, leading to multi-organ failure. Most patients had travelled from affected areas in Guangdong Province. The affected areas involve over 10,000 residents in Fung Tak Estate and several schools.
What is Chikungunya Fever?
Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
The virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and has since appeared in over 110 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Asia, the Americas, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The name “Chikungunya” originates from the Kimakonde language of Tanzania, meaning “to become contorted” or “to stoop,” describing the posture of patients suffering from severe joint pain.
Symptoms of Chikungunya Fever
Symptoms of Chikungunya fever typically appear 2 to 12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, with the most common incubation period being 3 to 7 days. The main symptoms include:
- High fever
- Severe joint pain, leading to difficulty in movement and even a “stooped” posture
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Rash
Most patients recover within 7 to 10 days, but some may experience chronic joint pain that can last for months or even years. Severe symptoms and complications are rare, but newborns, the elderly (over 65), and individuals with chronic conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes ) may face a higher risk of complications, including issues affecting the heart, eyes, or nervous system.
Chikungunya Incubation Period
The incubation period for Chikungunya fever is typically 2 to 12 days , with the most common being 3 to 7 days . During this time, the virus replicates within the body, subsequently triggering symptoms. The duration of the incubation period can vary depending on an individual’s immune system and the viral exposure dose.
Chikungunya Transmission Routes
Chikungunya fever is primarily transmitted through the bites of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. After a mosquito bites an infected person, the virus replicates within the mosquito and is then transmitted to other healthy individuals through subsequent bites. This mode of transmission is similar to dengue fever and Zika virus, leading to frequent confusion between the symptoms and transmission routes of these three diseases.
Additionally, although uncommon, the virus can also be transmitted through blood , for instance, if healthcare professionals handle the blood of an infected person. Pregnant women may also transmit the virus to their newborns during childbirth, but there is currently no evidence of transmission through breast milk. Chikungunya fever is not transmitted through everyday human contact (such as saliva, coughing, or sneezing).
Chikungunya Treatment Methods
Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs or cures for Chikungunya fever; treatment primarily focuses on symptom relief . Common treatment methods include:
- Pain relievers and fever reducers : Medications containing acetaminophen are used to alleviate fever and pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin should be avoided before diagnosis to prevent exacerbating potential bleeding risks.
- Adequate rest : Sufficient rest aids in the body’s recovery.
- Fluid intake : Maintaining hydration helps prevent dehydration.
Most patients experience significant symptom improvement within a week, though some may require several months to alleviate chronic joint pain. The World Health Organization indicates that existing evidence suggests individuals infected with Chikungunya fever typically develop lifelong immunity to the virus.
How to Prevent Chikungunya?
The key to preventing Chikungunya fever lies in avoiding mosquito bites and controlling mosquito breeding . Here are some effective preventive measures:
- Use insect repellent : Apply repellents containing DEET to exposed skin and clothing. Pregnant women can use products with a DEET concentration of no more than 30%, and children over 6 months can use products with a concentration of no more than 10%.
- Wear appropriate clothing : Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize skin exposure.
- Eliminate standing water : Regularly empty and clean water-holding containers around your home and surroundings (e.g., flower pots, old tires, buckets, or bird baths), as Aedes mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs in stagnant water.
- Use mosquito nets and screens : When outdoors, use mosquito nets to cover strollers or tents, and ensure doors and windows have screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
- Avoid endemic areas : Pregnant women, in particular, should avoid traveling to areas with Chikungunya outbreaks during their late pregnancy to reduce the risk of newborn infection.
Patients infected with Chikungunya fever should take extra precautions during the first week of illness to avoid mosquito bites, thereby preventing the virus from spreading to others through mosquitoes.
Chikungunya FAQs
What’s the difference between Chikungunya and Dengue?
While both Chikungunya and Dengue are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) and share similar symptoms like fever, joint pain, and rash, they are caused by different viruses. Chikungunya is caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), whereas Dengue is caused by the Dengue virus. Additionally, joint pain in Chikungunya is typically more severe and lasts longer, while Dengue can present with more severe bleeding symptoms, potentially leading to shock and even life-threatening conditions. Blood tests are required for diagnosis to differentiate between these two diseases.
Is the mortality rate of Chikungunya high?
The mortality rate of Chikungunya is very low. According to the Centre for Health Protection, as of early June 2025, over 220,000 Chikungunya cases have been recorded globally, with approximately 80 deaths.
Severe symptoms and fatalities from Chikungunya typically occur in newborns, the elderly, or individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Most patients recover fully within 7 to 10 days, although some may experience prolonged joint pain.
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