The Chikungunya IgM Antibody Test detects Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies, indicating a recent or active infection with the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne illness causing fever and severe joint pain. It’s a key diagnostic blood test, usually ordered 5+ days after symptoms (fever, pain, rash) start, using methods like ELISA to differentiate it from other diseases like Dengue, confirming current illness and guiding treatment, with positive results showing your immune system’s response to fight the virus