Chikungunya: Essential points ought to be known 

Chikungunya, also known as Chicken guinea, has become a major health concern across the globe. There is no vaccination or proper treatment for the disease. But the comfort is that the chikungunya is not a life threatening disease. However, sometimes it may take months for full recovery from the side effects of the disease like relief of joint pains.


 What are the causes of chikungunya?

The disease is a viral infection and is caused by chikungunya virus. Two types of mosquitoes,  Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, are the major carriers of the virus. The attack of these mosquitoes happens mainly during day time. The virus can survive in a number of animals including rodents and birds.

 
What are the symptoms of chikungunya?

Major symptoms of chikungunya are fever, joint pains and swelling, headache, rash and muscle pain. The symptoms are similar to that of dengue fever and Zika fever. 

For initial 3-7 days, the disease shows no symptoms. The patient experiences these symptoms in the initial phase of the disease:

1.    Fever- High fever of 102-105 centigrade is a major symptom during the initial phase. During this period, virus gets accumulated in the bloodstream and starts affecting other  parts of the body.
2.    Joint pain – Most of the patients experience severe and persistent joint pain in hands, wrist, ankle, knees, shoulder and shifting pain between different joints. The pain is found to be more severe in the morning. The patient normally gets relief from the pain after one-two weeks, however, in some cases it takes even months. .
3.    Rash: Rashes which are flat and red in colour often appear along with fever. Rashes may appear on palm, soles and face.

Back pain, headache, abdominal pain and sore throat may also be present along with the symptoms mentioned above. 

chikungunya


What is the treatment for chikungunya?

There is no vaccination or proper treatment for chikungunya. However, a doctor should be consulted and the prescribed medicines should be taken. Chikungunya infection is diagnosed by subjecting blood for detection of viral RNA or antibodies against chikungunya virus. Blood test is the only reliable test for identification of the disease. The affected patient normally acquires lifelong immunity and the chances for recurrence are very remote.  

Since there is no proper treatment, the option is preventing spread of the virus. This can be ensured by adopting proper mosquito control methods. 


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