WHAT IS CHIKUNGUNYA

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms. Mosquito breeding sites near human habitation areas is a significant risk factor for chikungunya. Chikungunia is mostly prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, Asia and Africa regions. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHIKUNGUNYA  

• Most common symptom of chikungunya is fever and severe joint pain

• Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. 

• Symptoms usually begin 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis:  Diagnosis includes review of symptoms, medical history and prevalence of the disease in the area or travel to areas where the disease is common. The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue and Zika, diseases spread by the same mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya and can often be misdiagnosed. Additional blood investigations may be done to check for chikunguniya or similar viruses such as Dengue and Zika

Treatment: There is no cure or vaccination available to prevent or treat chikungunya. The only available option is to treat the symptoms of fever and joint pain with medicines  like paracetamol. In addition the patient must get plenty of bed rest and keep hydrated by drinking fluids. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Chikunguniya is spread from an infected mosquito  

2. As there is no cure available for chikunguniya, prevention is the best remedy. Prevention methods include protection against mosquito bite using mosquito repellants, mosquito control methods by removing standing water where mosquitoes breed.  

3. Most patients get relief in 7-10 days, but in some cases joint pains may continue for 2-3 months

4.  Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.