Chikungunya occurs in Africa and Asia. Occasionally, cases may be reported in the UK associated with travel to endmic areas. Anyone who suspects they have chikungunya infection should see their GP and remember to tell him/her about any recent travel.

Health professionals should be alert to the possibility of chikungunya in those who have recently returned from an endemic area presenting with fever and joint pains, and send the appropriate samples (with a full clinical and travel history) to the HPA Special Pathogens Reference Unit.