Rhode Island is the latest US state to record imported chikungunya cases

The Rhode Department of Health (HEALTH) has confirmed two cases of chikungunya virus infection involving travelers who returned from the Dominican Republic on May 17 and May 29, 2014 after presenting to local physicians with fever, muscle aches and pains, and joint pain. A few other suspected cases remain under investigation.

Female Aedes aegypti mosquito
Image/James Gathany

HEALTH advises Rhode Islanders to see their healthcare provider if illness occurs after traveling from the Caribbean and/or after being bitten by a mosquito, and to protect themselves against mosquito bites at home and abroad.

Chikungunya virus is transmitted to people through mosquito bites. The virus is most often spread to people by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These are the same mosquitoes that transmit dengue virus. They bite mostly during the daytime.

Most people exposed to chikungunya will develop symptoms. Chikungunya does not often cause death, but the symptoms can be severe. The most common symptoms are high fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or rash. Most patients feel better within a week, but the joint pain can persist for months in some cases.

There is no specific antiviral therapy for chikungunya virus infection, treatment is for symptoms. Currently there is no vaccine. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page