Cover exposed skin with good insect repellent and optionally use an insecticide spray in rooms where presence of the bug is suspected. If at all possible avoid blood transfusions in countries where screening may not be adequate. Early diagnosis is essential as the disease cannot be treated once in the chronic stage. By this stage only treatment of the symptoms is possible. Both medications produce serious gastrointestinal and neurological side effects.
Treatment requires medical supervision.
Next Another rare disease that might affect people travelling to Africa and Asia during times of an epidemic. Contrary to dengue, chikungunya is also never fatal. Lab tests are necessary for a correct diagnosis. Avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. For more information, please refer to the 'Malaria' section.