Definition of chikungunya
: a febrile disease that resembles dengue, occurs especially in parts of Africa, India, and southeastern Asia, and is caused by a togavirus (species Chikungunya virus of the genus Alphavirus) transmitted especially by aedes mosquitoes Chikungunya is rarely fatal but can cause severe fevers, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and muscle and joint pains. — Martin Enserink
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of chikungunya
borrowed from Kimakonde (Bantu language of the Makonde), alleged to mean “that which bends up”
First Known Use: 1954
Medical Dictionary
chikungunya
playMedical Definition of chikungunya
: a febrile disease that resembles dengue, occurs especially in parts of Africa, India, and southeastern Asia, and is caused by a togavirus of the genus Alphavirus (species Chikungunya virus) transmitted by mosquitoes especially of the genus Aedes—called also chikungunya fever
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