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 (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

Examples of chikungunya in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most bites are harmless, but some mosquitoes transmit diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2024

These mosquitoes are invasive to the area and can carry several illnesses, like Zika, dengue, yellow fever or chikungunya. —Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 24 May 2024

Ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas in particular can spread diseases that include malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, Lyme, and chikungunya. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 24 May 2024

The mosquito that transmits dengue also transmits other diseases, including Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024

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 of the genus Alphavirus (species Chikungunya virus) transmitted by mosquitoes especially of the genus Aedes

called also chikungunya fever