Chikungunya means “that what bends up” in the Makonde African dialect.  Over 800,000 case in the Caribbean and Americas have occured since 2013.  It is an illness with fever that causes terrible joint pains and rash.  It is caused by a virus that is transmitted through a mosquito bite. The pains are in the large joints of the knees, elbows, and ankles as well as the small joints. Use of window screens, insect repellents, minimize standing water or from buckets are essential to minimize infection risk. Chikungunya is more severe in the very young, elderly, pregant women, and those with chronic illnesses. Vaccines and other therapies are desperately needed.  Seek medical help from a physician if you are experiencing these symptoms.

http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/