In short: Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes, causing sudden fever and severe joint pain that can last for months. It is found in many tropical and subtropical regions, and local outbreaks have also occurred in parts of Europe, including France. Preventing mosquito bites is the main protection. As of October 2026, Vimkunya is the only chikungunya vaccine approved in the UK; the other vaccine, Ixchiq, had its UK licence revoked by the MHRA in October 2026 after safety reviews.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, explains the symptoms, who is at risk and the current UK position on chikungunya vaccines.

What is chikungunya?

Chikungunya is caused by the chikungunya virus. It is passed to people through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes, the same type that can spread dengue and Zika. These mosquitoes bite mainly during the day, with peaks around early morning and late afternoon. The virus does not spread directly from person to person in everyday contact, although an infected mother can pass it to her baby around the time of birth.

Where is chikungunya found?

Chikungunya occurs in parts of Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean islands, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the Pacific. In recent years there have also been locally acquired cases in southern and western Europe, with France reporting a number of local cases in 2025 and 2026, and occasional local cases in the USA. Affected areas change, so check the latest country information on TravelHealthPro before you travel.

What are the symptoms of chikungunya?

Sudden high fever
Severe joint pain, often in the hands, wrists and ankles, sometimes with swelling
Muscle pain and headache
Skin rash
Tiredness, nausea and sensitivity to light

Symptoms usually start 4 to 8 days after an infected bite (range around 2 to 12 days). Most people recover from the fever within 1 to 2 weeks, but joint pain can persist for months or, in some cases, years. Serious complications are uncommon but more likely in newborns, older adults and people with long-term conditions.

How is chikungunya treated?

There is no specific antiviral treatment. Care focuses on rest, fluids and paracetamol for pain and fever. Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided until dengue has been ruled out, because dengue can cause bleeding. If you develop a fever during or after travel, seek medical advice and mention where you have been; malaria must also be excluded if you visited a malaria area.

How can I protect myself from chikungunya?

Use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin, reapplying as directed. DEET-based repellents (around 50%) are widely recommended, and other options include icaridin, PMD and IR3535.
Apply sunscreen first and repellent afterwards.
Wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs, especially during the day.
Stay in accommodation with screened windows or air conditioning, and remove standing water near where you stay.
Remember that daytime protection matters: Aedes mosquitoes bite in the day, unlike malaria mosquitoes.

Is there a chikungunya vaccine in the UK?

	Vimkunya	Ixchiq
Type	Virus-like particle vaccine (non-replicating)	Live attenuated vaccine
UK status (October 2026)	Approved; the only chikungunya vaccine currently available in the UK	UK marketing authorisation revoked by the MHRA in October 2026; no longer available
Age	12 years and over	Not applicable
Doses	Single injection; need for boosters not yet established	Not applicable

What happened with Ixchiq?

Ixchiq became available in the UK in June 2025. Because of reports of serious adverse events worldwide, mostly in people aged 65 and over and including deaths, the MHRA's Commission on Human Medicines temporarily suspended its use in people aged 65 and over in June 2025. In July 2025, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised that it should only be considered for immunocompetent adults aged 18 to 59. In February 2026, the MHRA introduced further restrictions, including no use in people aged 60 and over and contraindications for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or a weakened immune system. In October 2026, the MHRA revoked the UK licence following its benefit-risk review. Anyone who previously had Ixchiq and has questions should speak to a healthcare professional.

Who should consider vaccination?

JCVI advice is that vaccination may be considered for people travelling to areas with a current outbreak, long-term or frequent travellers to areas where chikungunya has circulated in the past 5 years, and laboratory staff who work with the virus. It is not needed for every trip. A clinician will weigh your destination, length of stay, age and health. Vaccination does not replace bite avoidance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get chikungunya more than once?

Infection is generally thought to give long-lasting immunity, so repeat infection is considered unlikely.

Is chikungunya dangerous in pregnancy?

Infection close to delivery can be passed to the newborn and can cause serious illness. Pregnant travellers should get advice before visiting affected areas and be especially careful with bite avoidance.

Can older adults have a chikungunya vaccine?

Vimkunya is licensed from age 12 with no upper age limit, and JCVI did not identify a safety signal in older adults, though it has been used less widely than older vaccines. A clinician will assess your individual benefit and risk.

Can I catch chikungunya in the UK?

Not currently. The mosquitoes that spread it are not established in the UK, so cases here are in people infected abroad.

Key takeaways

Chikungunya causes fever and joint pain that can last months; there is no specific treatment.
Daytime mosquito bite avoidance is the main protection.
Vimkunya is the only chikungunya vaccine available in the UK as of October 2026.
Ixchiq's UK licence was revoked in October 2026 after age-related safety restrictions in 2025 and 2026.
Get travel advice 6 to 8 weeks before you go.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Travelling from Wigan, Standish or Chorley to an area where chikungunya occurs? Book a travel clinic consultation at Ready Health for personalised advice on bite avoidance and whether any vaccines are appropriate for you. You may also find our guide to dengue fever useful.