Editor's note: Chikungunya fever poses a growing global threat. In the latest issue of China Daily’s Make it Simple column, we provide essential information about the mosquito-borne disease and how we should deal with it.

What is chikungunya fever?

A mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus and most commonly transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes.

It is mainly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Africa, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent and the Western Pacific region.

Is it dangerous?

The disease often causes fever and joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Symptoms are generally self-limiting and last for a few days, while in some cases joint pain may persist for months or even years.

Incubation period: From 2 to 12 days, commonly 3 to 8 days.

Mortality rate: Lower than 0.1 percent

What are the treatments?

There is no specific antiviral drug treatment for chikungunya fever as yet, and the primary treatments include using antipyretics, analgesics and replacement of fluids, to relieve the symptoms.

How to prevent infection

Avoid mosquito bites and prevent mosquito proliferation.

There is no locally registered chikungunya fever vaccine available in Hong Kong.

Advice for travelers

1.    Take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites.

2.    Arrange a medical consultation at least 6 weeks prior to visiting chikungunya-stricken areas.

3.    In affected areas, carry a portable bed net and apply permethrin to it.

4.    Seek medical attention promptly if feeling unwell.

Differences: chikungunya vs dengue

Chikungunya:

~3 in 4 infected people develop the disease

Symptoms are typically resolved within 7-10 days

Dengue

~1 in 4 infected people develop the disease

Some symptoms may have life-threatening consequences, requiring hospitalization

ALSO READ: Greater Bay Area in joint fight against Chikungunya fever

https://cdcp.gd.gov.cn/ywdt/jkyw/content/post_4746273.html

https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/grand-rounds/pp/2015/20150519-pdf-dengue-chikungunya-508.pdf

Source: Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hong Kong SAR Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention