chikungunya

noun

chik·​un·​gun·​ya ˌchi-kən-ˈgu̇n-yə 

ˌchi-ku̇ŋ-

: a febrile disease that resembles dengue, occurs especially in parts of Africa, India, and southeastern Asia, and is caused by a togavirus (Alphavirus chikungunya) transmitted especially by aedes mosquitoes

Chikungunya is rarely fatal but can cause severe fevers, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and muscle and joint pains.

—Martin Enserink

Examples of chikungunya in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, some species, including Aedes aegypti, can carry and transmit diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, West Nile virus, yellow fever and Zika virus. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025

Aedes aegypti -- known for its capability to transmit diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika -- were detected in San Jose near Kelley Park, the County of Santa Clara Vector Control District announced on Friday. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2025

Recently, the Cuban government confirmed the presence of chikungunya in Matanzas province, where the first cases had been diagnosed since July. —Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025

There is no specific treatment or widely available vaccine for chikungunya. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Kimakonde (Bantu language of the Makonde), alleged to mean "that which bends up"

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

chikungunya

noun

chik·​un·​gun·​ya ˌchik-ən-ˈgu̇n-yə 

ˌchik-u̇ŋ-

: a febrile disease that resembles dengue, occurs especially in parts of Africa, India, and southeastern Asia, and is caused by a togavirus (Alphavirus chikungunya) transmitted by mosquitoes especially of the genus Aedes

called also chikungunya fever