Which of the following is a reservoir for Chikungunya?

• A. Monkeys
• B. Humans
• C. Dogs
• D. Pigs

Answer: (A)

Chikungunya virus persists in nature through a reservoir-host cycle in which nonhuman primates, such as monkeys, are the natural hosts that harbor the virus between outbreaks. Mosquitoes, especially Aedes species, acquire the virus from these primates and pass it on to other primates, maintaining a sylvatic cycle outside of humans. Humans can become infected and fuel outbreaks, but they do not serve as the long-term reservoir in nature. Dogs and pigs are not recognized reservoirs for chikungunya. Therefore, monkeys are the reservoir because they maintain the virus in the wild and enable ongoing transmission through the mosquito vector.