Researchers in Rwanda, including academics from the University of Rwanda, have launched an in-depth study on Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease whose symptoms closely resemble malaria, often leading to misdiagnosis.
The research officially began on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the University of Rwanda.
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes severe joint pain, along with high fever. In some cases, it can also lead to complications affecting the brain, heart, blood vessels, and nervous system.
University of Rwanda researcher and lecturer Prof. Léon Mutesa said the disease is not yet routinely diagnosed in Rwandan health facilities, despite indications that it may be more prevalent than currently reported.
He noted that a study conducted in Rwanda’s Eastern Province in 2024 found that nearly 60% of patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms may have actually been infected with the Chikungunya virus.
Prof. Mutesa emphasized the need to strengthen public awareness, improve diagnostic capacity, and equip health facilities with appropriate tools to accurately detect the disease.
He explained that Chikungunya shares many clinical features with malaria, but a key distinguishing factor is the severity and persistence of symptoms, particularly prolonged joint pain and fever that does not respond as expected to antimalarial treatment.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Chikungunya, and patients are managed through supportive care, similar to other viral diseases such as Marburg and Ebola. However, researchers have initiated efforts to develop a vaccine under a University of Rwanda project known as ACT-CHIK.
Although historically more prevalent in West Africa, concerns are growing that Chikungunya may be increasingly present in East Africa, including Rwanda.
The disease is caused by the Chikungunya virus and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are also known to spread dengue and Zika viruses.
