Chikungunya Virus Disease

About Chikungunya Virus Disease

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Chikungunya (pronunciation: chik-en-gun-ye) is a disease caused by a virus that spreads through the bite of a special type of mosquito, the Aedes mosquito. Outbreaks of chikungunya virus have occurred in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In July 2014, the first locally acquired cases in the continental United States were identified in Florida. And in October 2025, a locally acquired case was identified in New York state—the first US case identified in 6 years.

While there is a risk the virus can spread to unaffected areas by infected travelers, and even though Aedes mosquitoes have been found in Los Angeles County, we have not found any mosquitoes infected with chikungunya virus. To date, all cases of chikungunya in Los Angeles County acquired their infection when traveling outside of California.

Travelers may be at risk of infections spread through mosquito bites while traveling outside Los Angeles County. Review CDC’s Areas at Risk for Chikungunya for destination-specific risk and prevention measures and consider chikungunya vaccination for before traveling.

Transmission

Chikungunya virus spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. During the first week of illness, people sick with chikungunya can spread the virus to uninfected mosquitoes.

Symptoms of Chikungunya Virus Infection

The most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms can include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.

Prevention

Because chikungunya virus is not currently identified in mosquitos in Los Angeles County, it is important to avoid mosquito bites when traveling to countries with ongoing chikungunya transmission. Plan for travel by reviewing CDC’s Areas at Risk for Chikungunya and vaccination is recommended for some travelers.

ACDC is responsible for monitoring and addressing human health problems in Los Angeles County but does not manage mosquito surveillance and control activities. This important action is under the control of the county’s five independent vector control districts. The Long Beach Health Department also operates its own mosquito control program.

Vector Control District Contacts

To report a potential mosquito breeding situation or find more information about mosquitoes, please contact the appropriate Vector Control District or city public health department.

Additional information: SoCalMosquito.org

Diagnosis and Testing

See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms after visiting an area at risk for chikungunya virus.

Treatment

No medicines are available to treat chikungunya. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medicines can relieve some symptoms.

Information for Clinicians and Healthcare Professionals

CDC Clinical and Laboratory Guidance for Providers

If unable to obtain commercial testing, the LAC DPH Public Health Laboratory (PHL) provides screening and confirmatory testing for chikungunya and related arboviral infections; however, pre-approval is required. All requests for chikungunya virus testing must be made by calling the Acute Communicable Disease Control Program (ACDC) at 213-240-7941 (Business Hours) or 213-974-1234 (After Hours).

A standard laboratory submittal form must be completed and accompany the specimen(s). To request chikungunya testing, indicate “Chikungunya PCR” in the Title 17/Other text box. Each specimen must be labeled with the patient’s name and a second identifier (date of birth or medical record number), date of collection, and specimen type. Include a copy of previous test results and any pertinent patient history with the specimen, including the onset date. Send specimens by courier or overnight shipper using the appropriate transport conditions for the specimen type. Ship packages Monday-Thursday to avoid weekend deliveries. Frozen specimens should be shipped on dry ice. Detailed specimen collection instructions can be found in the PHL test catalog. PHL does not charge the submitter for these services.