Chikungunya: how you can protect yourself from the disease

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Texas is dealing with its first case of a debilitating virus. An elderly man in Harris County contracted chikungunya.

The disease causes painful swelling of the joints. It can also cause fever, headaches, and rashes. Most people recover in a week and the disease is rarely painful. However, for some people the joint pain lasts for months or years.

The disease is spread by mosquito bite and is common in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, And Africa. Doctors believe the Houston chikungunya victim contracted the disease on a trip.

Dr. Umair Shah, executive director of Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services, discusses the virus and how you can protect yourself and others from the disease.