chikungunya virus


chi·kun·gun·ya vi·rus

a mosquito-transmitted arbovirus of the genus Alphavirus (family Togaviridae) found in parts of Africa and in India, Thailand, and Malaysia; causes a febrile illness with joint pains. [named for the "bent up" position of persons so infected]

chikungunya virus

An alphavirus, typically found in Africa or Southeast Asia, that can be transmitted to humans by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. After an incubation period of about a week, the virus produces high fevers, headache, nausea, vomiting, and severe joint pain, usually in the wrists or ankles.