Chikungunya is a viral illness that is typically transmitted through the bite of certain mosquitoes. The symptoms from this illness are usually dissipate within a few days but can be extremely severe. Chikungunya is a very big deal if you are pregnant, because if you contract the illness around the time of birth, you could actually transmit the virus to your baby. Babies that are infected with this illness at birth are at a very high risk of contracting a severe form of the viral illness when they are older. If you are pregnant and think you have Chikungunya, you should contact your doctor immediately.
The most common symptoms of Chikungunya are joint pain and a fever. Other symptoms could include muscle pain, swollen joints, a headache or a rash. These pains could last for months.
While there is no vaccine for this virus, three steps you can take to recover faster include drinking lots of water, getting plenty of rest and taking Tylenol to ease the pain and the fever.