Chikungunya The name is derived from the Makonde word meaning " bends up"in reference to the stooped posture developed as a result of the arthritic symptoms of the disease Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever(non-fatal viral illness) caused by alphavirus through mosquitoes Aedes aegypti mosquitoChikungunya  The name is derived from the Makonde word meaning "bends up" in reference to the stooped posture developed as a result of the arthritic symptoms of the disease.  Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever (non-fatal viral illness) caused by alphavirus through mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti mosquito