Chikungunya means to become controlled and describes the stooped appearance of sufferers with severe joint pain.
Bite from an infected mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes aibopictus)
considered ‘at risk’ of Chikungunya
Abrupt onset of high fever, joint pain (usually involving multiple joints and typically bilateral and symmetric), muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash.
Uncommon. In some cases, joint pain can be deliberating and persist for several months, or even years.
As there are no vaccines available in Canada, basic precautions should be taken:
Take preventative measures when mosquitoes are most active (during daylight hours)
Use a recommend insect repellent containing either Icaridin (20%) or DEET.
Wear appropriate clothing (e.g. long-sleeved shirt, long pants).
Use physical barriers, such as bed nets and windiw screens.