A virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes (such as the yellow fever mosquito and the tiger mosquito) and characterized by the abrupt onset of fever and rash, as well as debilitating joint pain that can persist for months. The virus is not spread directly from one person to another, but a mosquito feeding on an infected person can then infect its next meal.
Etymology: from the Makonde language (a language spoken in parts of Tanzania and Mozambique); the verb 'kungunyala' means "to dry up or become distorted" and 'chikungunya' translates to "that which bends up", which refers to the stooped posture generated by the disease.
So, it has nothing to do with chickens. The virus has been around for a while but is becoming more widespread, with cases reported in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the United States, and elsewhere. There is no specific treatment at this time: just rest, fluids, and painkillers.
