CHIKUNGUNYA is a mosquito-borne viral disease.  It is an RNA virus that belongs to the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae. The name “chikungunya” derives from a word in the Kimakonde language (local Tazanian language), meaning “to become contorted”, and describes the stooped appearance of sufferers with joint pain (ARTHRALGIA).

BREEDING SITES 

Symptoms

  • Most people infected with chikungunya virus will develop some symptoms.
  • Symptoms usually begin 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
  • The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain.
  • Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
  • Chikungunya disease does not often result in death, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling.
  • Most patients feel better within a week. In some people, the joint pain may persist for months.
  • People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (≥65 years), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
  • Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints
  • Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.

Transmission

The virus is transmitted from human to human by the bites of infected female mosquitoes. Most commonly, the mosquitoes involved are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, two species which can also transmit other mosquito-borne viruses, including dengue. These mosquitoes can be found biting throughout daylight hours, though there may be peaks of activity in the early morning and late afternoon.

MODE OF TRANMISSION OF VIRUS

Diagnosis

  • The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of any other viral fever.
  • Consult your doctor if you develop the symptoms described above and have visited an area where chikungunya is found.
  • The virus may be isolated from the blood during the first few days of infection. Various reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) methods are available but are of variable sensitivity.
  • Serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), may confirm the presence of IgM and IgG anti-chikungunya antibodies.

Treatment

  • There is no vaccine to prevent or no specific antiviral medicine to treat chikungunya virus.
  • Treat the symptoms:
    • Plenty of rest.
    • Drink plenty of fluids prevent dehydration.
    • Take medicine such as acetaminophen or paracetamol to reduce fever and pain.
    • Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding).