 Chikungunya virus is a member of the genus Alphavirus and family Togaviridae.The word chikungunya is from the Makonde which means "that which bends up", and this refers to the effect of the debilitating joint pain on the patient.Symptoms, generally appearing 5–7 days after exposure, can be confused with dengue and include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, and swelling.