Continuing EducationChikungunya Virus: A Rising Health Risk in the United States and How Nurse Practitioners Can Help Address and Reduce the Risk

- The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is spreading in the Caribbean through infected mosquitoes and has been diagnosed in the United States.
- CHIKV leads to severe arthralgia, which remains in 20% to 60% of all infected persons more than 1 year after infection.
- Prevention steps can be taken to reduce the risk of a mosquito bite.
- Nurse practitioners need to stay current with CHIKV trends and symptoms in order to reach a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is not widely known or understood in the United States, although it is rapidly increasing in its global reach and prevalence. Most nurse practitioners and other medical staff have never seen a case of CHIKV, and its similarities to other viruses may cause it to be overlooked. However, the chronic effects and worldwide spread of this virus require us to become familiar with CHIKV, how it spreads, and what prevention and treatment options are available. This article summarizes the history, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for CHIKV and offers guidelines for nurse practitioners to promote education and prevention.