Chikungunya is almost never lethal. Symptoms are usually self-limiting and persist for two to three days. The virus persists in the human body for 5-7 days, and mosquitoes that feed on an infected person during this time can get infected as well. This is why people who have chikungunya cannot spread the disease through their saliva or urine. Complications of chikungunya may include severe joint pain, fever, headache, muscle pain, rash, sensitivity to light, and vision problems. Rarely, infection with the chikungunya virus can lead to encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can be fatal. There is no cure for chikungunya; however, there are medications available to help relieve symptoms. Chikungunya is found in Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, and the Caribbean. It is not known how the virus arrived in the New World, but it was probably brought over by travelers from Africa where the disease is common. In 2005, there was a large outbreak of chikungunya in Italy. More than 7,000 cases were reported during this time, and the epidemic was linked to immigration and tourism from countries where the disease is prevalent. Italy has one of the largest chikungunya populations in Europe.