Arboviral Diseases: Dengue and Chikungunya

Dengue and chikungunya are grouped together in this section because they share the same vector — the day-biting Aedes aegypti mosquito — even though they are caused by two entirely different viruses and tend to produce a somewhat different symptom picture.

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), of which there are several distinct types. After the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, an infected person typically develops a sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and intense muscle and joint pain — severe enough that dengue is sometimes nicknamed "breakbone fever". In some patients, the illness can progress to a more serious form marked by a drop in platelet count and an increased risk of bleeding; warning signs such as persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or bleeding from the gums require urgent medical attention. There is no specific antiviral cure for dengue — treatment is supportive, focused on fluids, rest, and close monitoring, alongside medical care if warning signs develop.

Chikungunya is caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and is transmitted by the very same Aedes aegypti mosquito. It also causes a sudden high fever, but its hallmark feature is severe, often disabling joint pain and swelling that — unlike the muscle pain of dengue — can persist for weeks or even months after the fever itself has resolved. A skin rash and headache are also common.