The clearest clue is the pain. Chikungunya typically brings sudden fever with severe, often disabling joint pain, while dengue is more likely to cause a severe headache and pain behind the eyes. The two overlap heavily, though, and only a blood test can confirm which you have. Below, we compare the symptoms, explain why it matters, and show how to protect yourself before your next trip.
What Do Chikungunya and Dengue Have in Common?
Both are viral infections spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which can bite during the day. Neither has a specific antiviral treatment. The WHO notes that the symptoms can be so similar that chikungunya and dengue are sometimes misdiagnosed.
Chikungunya vs Dengue Symptoms: How Do They Differ?
Severe joint pain is one of the clearest differences between the two, although symptoms can vary from person to person.
Feature | Chikungunya | Dengue |
Symptoms start | 4 to 8 days after a bite (range 2 to 12) | 4 to 10 days after a bite |
Hallmark symptoms | Sudden fever with severe joint pain | High temperature, severe headache, pain behind the eyes |
Joint pain | Often disabling, can last months | Present, but often milder |
Main complication | Prolonged joint pain | Severe dengue |
Painkillers | Paracetamol | Paracetamol only |
Chikungunya Symptoms to Watch For
Chikungunya usually starts suddenly, with fever and severe joint pain. The pain commonly affects the hands, wrists, ankles and feet and can be difficult to manage. According to the WHO, joint pain can continue for weeks, months or even years in some people.
Dengue Symptoms to Watch For
A severe headache and pain behind the eyes are common features of dengue, along with muscle and joint aches. The NHS also lists nausea and a blotchy rash among the possible symptoms. Some people with dengue have no symptoms at all.
Can You Have Chikungunya and Dengue at the Same Time?
It is possible to have chikungunya and dengue at the same time, particularly in areas where both viruses circulate. Their symptoms can overlap, so a healthcare professional may need to consider your symptoms, travel history and testing.
Why Does Telling Them Apart Matter?
Knowing which infection could be responsible matters because the safest pain relief and the level of monitoring can differ.
- Safer pain relief: the NHS warns that ibuprofen and aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding in dengue. Use paracetamol until dengue has been ruled out.
- Closer monitoring: severe dengue can develop a few days into the illness, including around the time the fever starts to settle.
- Better follow up: persistent joint pain after chikungunya may need further medical assessment and care.
What Should You Do If You Feel Unwell After Travel?
Arrange an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 and tell them where you have travelled. Symptoms can begin up to 12 days after a mosquito bite, so you may become unwell after returning home.
Treating Symptoms Safely
Rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol for fever and pain, as the NHS advises.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have severe tummy pain, repeated vomiting, fast breathing or bleeding from the gums or nose after visiting a dengue area.
How Can You Protect Yourself Before You Travel?
Preventing mosquito bites is the best protection against both illnesses, and vaccination may suit some travellers.
- Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Use insect repellent, ideally containing DEET.
- Sleep under treated mosquito nets.
- Check your destination on TravelHealthPro.
Vaccines are available for both infections, but suitability depends on factors such as your age, health and travel history. Oakwood Pharmacy in Woodhouse Eaves can review your travel plans through our chikungunya and dengue consultations.
Plan Your Travel Health With Oakwood Pharmacy
Mosquito protection is worth planning before you travel, particularly if you are visiting an area where chikungunya or dengue occurs. Visit our travel clinic for personalised advice before you fly. We support travellers in Woodhouse Eaves, as well as residents of Loughborough, Quorn, Mountsorrel, Coalville, Barrow upon Soar and Woodhouse. Book your travel health appointment today.
A little preparation before you travel can give you greater peace of mind while you are away.
