Chikungunya Treatment: A Complete Guide

In addition to treatment for chikungunya on an acute basis, some people may need more long-term support for chronic symptoms. These may come in the form of certain prescription medications taken for rheumatic diseases, as well as other pain management therapies.

Consider what treatments are available to help treat chikungunya symptoms, and talk with a healthcare professional about your options before starting treatment. They will discuss what may work best for you.

Medications

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Aspirin (Bayer, Ecotrin)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

Dengue fever spreads via the same types of mosquitoes as chikungunya, and it has many similar symptoms. But dengue causes bleeding that is made worse by many of the medications for pain and fever.

Note that it is possible to have both chikungunya and dengue fever at the same time.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of chikungunya primarily involves reducing the number of mosquitoes in a geographic area and preventing mosquito bites. Such strategies not only help stop the initial transmission of chikungunya from a mosquito bite — they can also help decrease the number of mosquitoes that may bite you or another person who has an acute case of chikungunya viral disease.

Reducing the number of places that mosquitoes breed can cut down the population significantly.

• Emptying standing water from containers, such as the saucers under potted plants, vases, buckets, and rain gutters
• Covering water containers that cannot be emptied, such as tanks or reservoirs that provide household water
• Getting rid of old tires that may get left outside where they can collect water
• Keeping garbage in closed plastic bags and in closed containers

You may also use insecticide to kill mature mosquitoes and immature larvae. Some townships and cities may also do aerial spraying of insecticides.

The mosquitoes that cause most chikungunya infections typically bite aggressively during the day, with biting activity peaking at twilight, although sometimes they may bite in the nighttime too.

• Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and other clothing that limits skin exposure
• Choosing permethrin-treated clothing
• Using insect repellents on skin and clothing
• Making sure indoor spaces have adequate screens to keep mosquitoes out
• Using insecticide-treated mosquito nets over your bed, if you sleep during the daytime in areas with mosquitoes
• Wearing mosquito netting over your face and neck, in addition to using gloves or repellents, if you spend a lot of time outdoors in areas with mosquitoes
• Avoiding travel to areas that are experiencing a chikungunya outbreak

Mosquito bites are also important to prevent if you already have chikungunya, because your blood can infect the mosquitoes, which can then spread the infection to other people.

Complementary and Integrative Approaches

• Rest
• Fluids
• Topical analgesics for joint and muscle pain

Pain Management

It is rare for chikungunya to lead to long-term problems or death. In most cases, the symptoms of chikungunya last for about a week, after which most people recover fully.

The Takeaway

Treatment for chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitos, primarily consists of pain medications for aches and fever as your body recovers from the underlying infection. In some cases, chronic symptoms may develop, which can warrant long-term pain management techniques. Adults over 18 years of age should also consider getting vaccinated before traveling to a chikungunya-prone area.