Symptoms often appear 4–7 days after the patient has been bitten by the infected mosquito and these include: • Fever • Joint pain (lower back, ankle, knees, wrists) • Joint swelling • Rash • Headache • Muscle pain • Nausea • Fatigue

The illness usually goes away by itself after around 10 days, although some may experience symptoms (like joint pain) for several months to years. Most individuals only require adequate rest and hydration, but they may also benefit from medication (e.g. paracetamol to control fever and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to control pain). However, aspirin should be avoided. Further management may include long-term follow-up and treatment of remaining symptoms or attacks of joint pain and swelling and rehabilitation if with disability.

Mosquito avoidance is a key strategy in preventing the spread of the virus. Even those infected should avoid getting bit by mosquitoes during the first week of their illness. This is because mosquitoes could get the virus and, in turn, potentially spread it to other people. Tips to help avoid mosquito bites include: • minimizing outdoor activities during the cooler hours at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are active • wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants • using mosquito repellent on exposed skin • staying in air-conditioned rooms or rooms with window and door screens • sleeping under a mosquito net The Aedes mosquitoes that transmit the virus breed in a wide variety of rain-filled containers which are common around human dwellings and workplaces, such as water storage containers, saucers under potted plants and drinking bowls for domestic animals, as well as discarded tires and food containers. To reduce mosquito breeding: • Remove discarded containers around the house • For containers that are in use, turn them over or empty every 3–4 days including any water-filled containers indoors; alternatively, completely cover them to keep out mosquitoes.