What are the risks associated with the Chikungunya virus?

Chikungunya is a virus that can lead to a variety of disease states. Most people will get a flu-like illness which may involve intense body aches. Some people will have persistent arthralgia - sometimes debilitating - that lasts for months or even years. There have been some cases of Guillian-Barré syndrome, which causes progressive paralysis. While temporary, this can be dangerous. Rarely, Chikungunya can lead to death.