Most people recover within a few weeks, but about 40% develop debilitating joint and muscle pain that can last for months or even years after being infected, per the Mayo Clinic. While death from chikungunya is rare, it can cause serious complications affecting the eyes, heart, and nervous system.

China is battling a widespread chikungunya outbreak using drones, insecticides and quarantine measures, as a mosquito-borne virus has infected over 7,000 people in Guangdong.

Chikungunya is transmitted by mosquitoes and usually causes mild symptoms, but severe joint pain can persist for months.