Knowing
more about Chikungunya
A
vector-borne disease caused by mosquito bites has been in the news in India.
Also known as Chikungunya, the mosquito-borne viral disease is caused by the
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). First described in the 1950s in Tanzania, the
disease is mainly prevalent in tropical environments in Asia, Africa, and the
Americas. Chikungunya originates from the African Makonde language, which means
“bent over in pain.”
Having
similar symptoms to dengue and Zika, Chikungunya is often misdiagnosed.
Sporadic incidents of Chikungunya have been reported from various parts of the
country. Weather plays a crucial role in spreading Chikungunya, which is more
prevalent in India after the monsoon season.
Transmission
Chikungunya
is transmitted by Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes
(Stegomyia) albopictus. The mosquitoes are also responsible for dengue and
Zika viruses, usually biting during the day. These mosquitoes lay eggs in
standing water.
An
uninfected mosquito sucking blood from an infected person gets the virus
replicated within it over several days. It eventually reaches its salivary
glands, which transmit to a new human host when the mosquito bites it.
Symptoms
Fever
and severe joint pains are associated with Chikungunya. Swelling of joints,
muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rashes are common symptoms. The
fever lasts almost two weeks; however, joint and muscle pains, also called
chronic chikungunya arthritis, can exist for months altogether. Unlike dengue,
where the platelet count drops drastically, in the case of Chikungunya, the
platelet count may drop slightly. Rashes usually appear during the first two to
three days of the onset of the disease.
Treatment
There
is no specific treatment available and no vaccines either. Primary laboratory
tests are conducted to diagnose infection in serum almost six days after the
onset of the disease. Various RT-PCR kits are available in the market to run
tests. With no specific treatment, the fever may subside on its own. However,
precautions must be taken, and a visit to the doctor is a must if conditions
deteriorate.
Precautions
Like any other
vector-related disease, precautions must be taken to ensure the carriers cannot
spread the disease. Using a mosquito net, mosquito repellents, fully covered
clothes, etc, will keep mosquitoes at bay. Taking a lot of fluids, including
milk, helps Chikungunya patients recover fast. Cleaning standing water
occasionally and reducing mosquito breeding sites will help keep mosquitoes at
bay.
