Chikungunya fever, "that which bends". Epidemic in Africa and Asia--several cases imported to Denmark]

Within the last year there has been a re-emergence of chikungunya fever in Africa, Asia and several of the islands in the Indian Ocean. Chikungunya fever is caused by the alfa virus chikungunya, which is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. Travellers as well as the local population are at risk, and several cases have been imported to Denmark. We review the epidemiology, aetiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. The main symptoms are fever, arthralgia and rash. No vaccination or specific treatment exist and therefore travellers must try to avoid mosquito bites.