Chikungunya in older people: a guide for primary care nurses

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral infection with an expanding global spread, driven by climate change and increased international travel, leading to more older people and people with long-term health conditions travelling abroad. Chikungunya is characterised by sudden-onset fever and severe joint pain; however, older adults may present atypically, with milder or absent fever and non-specific symptoms, increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis. Pre-travel advice, vaccination and mosquito bite avoidance are key for prevention. This article discusses the epidemiology of chikungunya, differences in clinical presentation between age groups, diagnostic approaches and key considerations for management and prevention.