What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are mainly active during the day. The disease occurs in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and some islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3 to 7 days after infection. The most common complaints are: high (sudden) fever, severe muscle and joint pain—especially in the hands and feet—headache, fatigue, and skin rash. Between 72% and 97% of those infected develop symptoms. Most symptoms disappear within 1 to 3 weeks, but about half of patients may experience rheumatic-like symptoms for months or even years. Although the disease is rarely fatal, symptoms tend to be more severe in the elderly and in people with weakened immune systems.
Transmission and spread
Chikungunya is not transmitted from person to person, but through mosquito bites. A mosquito becomes infected by biting an infected person and can then transmit the virus to others. Chikungunya is primarily spread during large local outbreaks, during which up to 75% of the local population can become ill.
Prevention: what can you do when traveling?
Since 2025, a new chikungunya vaccine has been available in the Netherlands. This is the first approved vaccine worldwide for the prevention of chikungunya. The vaccine consists of a single dose of a live attenuated chikungunya virus, providing protection for at least 2 years. It is preferably administered 2 weeks before entering a risk area. Possible side effects usually appear 3–4 days later and include chikungunya-like symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, fever, fatigue, and skin rash. These symptoms typically resolve within 4 days.
In addition to vaccination, good mosquito protection measures are important when traveling to risk areas. These include wearing protective clothing, applying insect repellent such as DEET, and sleeping under a (impregnated) mosquito net. Based on your travel plans and health, we are happy to provide you with personalized advice.
Can the chikungunya vaccine always be administered?
The chikungunya vaccine is only recommended for travel to countries experiencing an outbreak. Due to the high infection rate during outbreaks, this vaccination advice applies regardless of the duration of your trip. You can check if an outbreak is occurring in a particular country on the country pages of our website.
Unfortunately, the vaccine is not suitable for everyone. It may only be given to individuals between the ages of 12 and 64. Immune system disorders or the use of certain medications may also be reasons why the vaccine should not be administered.
Questions or want to make an appointment?
Do you have questions or would you like to make an appointment for personal (travel) advice? Use the button below, email us at info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl, or call 085-9020303.