Chikungunya is a virus that causes joint pain so severe that victims cannot stand or sit for months. It was first discovered in southeastern Africa a thousand years ago. 50 years ago, the virus started to spread to Asia through a certain species of Asian mosquitos. But recently the virus has undergone a mutation which has made it more easily transferable to Asian mosquitos. Understanding how this mutation works may help health experts predict and prevent future outbreaks. However, studying genetics is a very difficult thing to do. I feel that if we study more about the genetics of viruses and other illnesses/diseases, it may help find cures or even prevent epidemics around the world.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=anatomy-of-an-outbreak
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