Chikungunya fever shares similarities with dengue fever, often leading to misdiagnosis. Symptoms typically emerge 3 to 7 days post-infection (but can manifest within 2 to 12 days). While many infections are asymptomatic, the exact prevalence of symptomless cases is unknown. Here are the symptoms of chikungunya fever:
- Fever: Abrupt onset with temperatures reaching as high as 104°F.
- Chills.
- Severe headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Lower back pain.
- Joint pain: Often severe and persistent, with some cases reporting incapacitating joint pain or arthritis lasting for weeks or months. Unlike dengue fever, chikungunya fever is characterized by prolonged joint pain and fatigue. Affected joints are tender to touch and may or may not be swollen.
- Rashes: Occasional, but hemorrhagic rash is rare.
- Redness in the eyes and light sensitivity.
The fever typically subsides after two days, but symptoms such as joint pain, severe headache, sleep disturbances, and profound weakness may persist for 5 to 7 days. In some instances, joint pain can last for weeks to years after the acute phase. Fatalities due to chikungunya infections are rare.