[Chikungunya fever hits Hong Kong] Symptoms similar to dengue? Your guide to transmission, symptoms, treatment & prevention!
Health2025-08-26
6 Mins Read
Imagine returning from holiday only to be struck by sudden high fever, crippling headaches, and joint pain so severe you can barely bend over – this could be Chikungunya fever at work! This viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, takes its name from an African word meaning ‘to become contorted,’ describing the stooped posture sufferers adopt due to agonising joint pain.
According to the Guangdong Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, over 4,000 cases had already been recorded in Guangdong province by the first week of August. Hong Kong residents frequently travel north, with Guangdong being a prime destination for short trips. This means that if the infection is introduced locally, there is a very real risk of community outbreaks. Learn more about Chikungunya fever — not only to protect yourself and your family while travelling but also to ensure prompt and appropriate action.
What exactly is Chikungunya fever?
Chikungunya fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the Chikungunya virus. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. In Hong Kong, the species we need to be most vigilant about is the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which is widespread in our urban environments and bites predominantly during daylight hours. The other main vector, the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), is primarily found in tropical regions (such as Southeast Asia and South Asia).
Transmission routes:
- Primary route: Bite from an infected female Aedes mosquito (particularly Aedes albopictus or Aedes aegypti).
- Not spread person-to-person: Rest assured, it cannot be transmitted through casual contact, respiratory droplets, or sharing eating utensils.
- Other rare routes: In extremely rare cases, transmission may occur through mother-to-child (vertical) transmission during birth or via transfusion of contaminated blood products. These are not significant transmission pathways.
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Which areas are high-risk?
Planning a trip? Be particularly vigilant about mosquito protection in these regions:
- Foshan in Guangdong Province
- Africa
- Southeast Asia (including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore)
- The Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
- Parts of the Pacific Islands
- Tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas (e.g. the Caribbean, Central America, northern South America)
Popular destinations for Hong Kong travellers – such as Guangdong Province, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and India – have all recorded outbreaks. Before travelling, always check the latest outbreak information from the Travel Health Service of the Department of Health.
Chikungunya Fever vs Dengue Fever
Both Chikungunya and Dengue are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, and their early symptoms can be similar — making them easy to confuse. However, recognising their key distinguishing features—particularly the pattern of joint pain — is crucial.
Shared symptoms (typically sudden onset)
- High fever (often above 39°C)
- Severe headache
- Intense muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
- Rash (may appear 2–5 days after illness begins)
Chikungunya’s signature symptom – Severe joint pain
This is the biggest differentiator! Chikungunya typically causes excruciating joint pain, affecting multiple joints symmetrically (e.g., both wrists, both ankles).
Most commonly affected joints:
- Wrists
- Ankles
- Fingers
- Knees
- Lower back
The pain can be so severe that it severely limits mobility, sometimes even making walking or bending difficult—reflecting the disease’s name, which means ‘to become contorted’. While acute symptoms like fever may subside within a few days to two weeks, many patients suffer from persistent joint pain and stiffness lasting weeks, months, or even years, which can significantly impact quality of life.
Dengue’s hidden danger
Though the early stages of both diseases are similar, Dengue (especially during a second infection with a different virus strain) carries a higher risk of progressing to severe Dengue haemorrhagic fever or Dengue shock syndrome. Possible complications such as internal bleeding and organ failure that may lead to death.
In contrast, Chikungunya rarely causes severe or fatal cases, with complications mainly occurring in infants, the elderly, or those with serious underlying health conditions. However, its chronic joint pain remains a major long-term burden for recovering patients.
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What to do if you suspect infection? Diagnosis & treatment guide
If you or a family member have recently visited a high-risk area and develop symptoms such as high fever or severe joint pain after returning to Hong Kong, do not delay seeking medical attention!
When to seek medical help?
Act immediately and consult a doctor without delay! Be sure to clearly inform your doctor about your travel history, locations visited and dates of travel. They are critical for accurate diagnosis.
How do doctors diagnose it?
Diagnosis is primarily confirmed through blood tests:
- RT-PCR (viral RNA test): Most effective in the early stages (typically within the first 7 days), directly detecting the virus.
- Serological antibody tests (IgM/IgG): Used in later stages (usually after 5 days) to detect antibodies. IgM indicates recent infection, while IgG may suggest past exposure or later-stage infection.
- In Hong Kong, suspected cases are referred to the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the Centre for Health Protection for confirmatory testing.
How is it treated?
It is important to emphasise that there is currently no specific antiviral treatment for Chikungunya virus infection, and no widely available vaccines. Although preventive vaccines are under development or limited to certain regions, none are currently registered for use in Hong Kong. Management primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and providing supportive care.
Managing symptoms effectively
- Rest adequately: Your body needs energy to fight the virus—prioritise rest.
- Stay hydrated: Fever and vomiting can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids, including oral rehydration solutions.
- Use pain relief cautiously
For persistent joint pain and stiffness:
- Consult your doctor: You may need prescribed pain relief or low-dose anti-inflammatory medication.
- Physiotherapy is key: Under professional guidance, gentle joint mobility exercises and strengthening routines can reduce stiffness and maintain function.
- Stay patient & positive: Recovery can take time—support from family and a proactive mindset are vital.
Post-Illness care and key considerations
Even after acute symptoms subside, your body needs time to recover fully—especially if you experienced severe joint pain.
- Ongoing rest and nutrition: Avoid rushing back to work or strenuous activities. Prioritise adequate sleep and a balanced diet (rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals) to support tissue repair and regain strength.
- Regular medical follow-ups: Keep in touch with your doctor to monitor joint health and adjust treatment plans.
- Commit to physiotherapy: Follow your therapist’s guidance on gentle home exercises, such as stretching, swimming, or aquatic therapy, to ease joint stress.
- Heat or cold therapy: Consult your physiotherapist to determine which method better relieves your specific joint discomfort.
- Pace yourself: Listen to your body—rest when pain flares and avoid overusing affected joints. Consider mobility aids (e.g., a cane) if needed.
- Mental wellbeing: Chronic pain can take an emotional toll. Stay positive, share your feelings with loved ones, and seek professional counselling if necessary.
- Preventing secondary transmission: During the first week of illness (viraemic phase, when viral load is high), strict mosquito protection is essential, even after returning to Hong Kong:
1. Use insect repellent (e.g., DEET-based products)
2. Wear long-sleeved clothing.
3. Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
Though local transmission risk in Hong Kong remains low, if an infected person is bitten by a local Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), the mosquito could potentially spread the virus to others. Protecting yourself helps safeguard the community.
Prevention is better than cure!
When it comes to Chikungunya, prevention is your best defence. As there are currently no registered vaccines for Chikungunya in Hong Kong, avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating breeding grounds remain the only effective protection. Whether at home or abroad, vigilance is key.
Choosing effective insect repellents
- DEET-based repellents: Opt for insect repellents containing active ingredients like DEET. For children, use lower concentrations (up to 10% DEET). When travelling to high-risk areas, children aged two months or older may use repellents with up to 30% DEET.
- Alternative repellents: Products containing IR3535 or Icaridin (also known as Picaridin) are also effective. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Applying repellents correctly
- Apply to exposed skin and clothing (test a small area first for skin sensitivity).
- Avoid wounds, sensitive skin, and areas around the eyes.
- Reapply as directed, especially after sweating, swimming, or wiping.
- Adults should apply repellent to children, avoiding their hands to prevent accidental contact with eyes or mouth.
Protective clothing
During peak mosquito activity (dawn and dusk), wear loose-fitting, light-coloured long sleeves and trousers. Light colours are less attractive to mosquitoes, and loose fabrics reduce the chance of bites.
Home and outdoor protection
- Ensure windows and doors have intact screens and keep them closed.
- Use mosquito nets for sleeping, especially for infants.
- Avoid strongly scented perfumes, lotions, or cosmetics, which may attract mosquitoes.
Eliminating mosquito breeding sites
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) breeds in stagnant water. Prevention requires community effort:
- Remove standing water: Regularly check and empty containers like plant saucers, and AC drip trays.
- Store containers properly: Keep unused items upside down or covered. Clean pet bowls and vases weekly.
- Clear drains: Ensure gutters and drains are unblocked.
- Dispose of waste properly: Seal rubbish in covered bins to prevent water accumulation.
- Inspect hidden areas: Rooftops, alleyways, and construction sites often harbour overlooked breeding spots. Property managers should monitor communal areas.
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Additional mosquito protection while travelling – Extra vigilance required!
Before your trip: Check the Hong Kong Department of Health’s Travel Health Service webpage or the Centre for Health Protection for updates on Chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases (such as dengue fever and malaria) at your destination. Additionally, ensure you and your family have comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage. A robust policy, like AXA SmartTraveller Plus, provides critical support and assistance if you require overseas medical treatment or emergency evacuation. It also covers follow-up treatment costs within 3 months of your return to Hong Kong, allowing you to focus on recovery without added stress.
During your trip: Take strict anti-mosquito measures. Opt for accommodation with air conditioning or sealed window screens/mosquito nets. When outdoors—especially in parks, wooded areas, or near water—wear long-sleeved clothing and avoid prolonged outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).
After returning home: If you develop a fever, rash, joint pain, or other symptoms within two weeks of returning, seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor of your travel history in detail.
How does AXA SmartTraveller Plus provide protection for you?
- No worries about medical expenses: Our coverage includes medical expenses incurred overseas due to illness or injury, as well as follow-up treatment costs within 3 months of returning to Hong Kong (follow-up treatment costs are subject to separate sub-limits, please refer to the coverage table for details).
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Stay vigilant, stay healthy
While Chikungunya fever is not endemic to Hong Kong, the presence of its primary vector—the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)—coupled with frequent international travel among residents means the risk remains real. Consistent personal protection is essential. When travelling, exercise extra caution with rigorous mosquito prevention measures. Your health is invaluable—by prioritising proactive precautions, you and your family can minimise exposure to mosquito-borne threats and enjoy greater peace of mind in daily life and on journeys abroad.
1. HKSAR Government Press Release: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/12/P2025081200578.htm
2. Center for Health Protection, Department of Health: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/6122.html
3. Center for Health Protection, Department of Health: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.html
4. Prevention of Dengue Fever (Advice to Schools): https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/safefood/library/pdf_pest_control/mosquito_school.pdf
5. Center for Health Protection, Department of Health: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/38927.html
Insurance plans vary in coverage and are subject to their respective terms and conditions. For detailed terms and conditions of the plan, please refer to the relevant product brochure and policy contract.
No warranty or responsibility is assumed by AXA Hong Kong and our related or holding companies regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reasonableness, fitness for a purpose or free from computer viruses in connection with the information and materials provided. AXA Hong Kong and our related companies and holding companies do not accept any liability for any loss, damage, cost or other expense, whether wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, arising from any error, inaccuracy or omission of the information and materials to the extent that such liability is not excluded by law.
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