Chikungunya

A virus called chikungunya is spread to people by infected mosquitoes. It is brought on by the chikungunya virus and is characterized by rapid fever and severe, incapacitating joint pain.  The word “chikungunya” comes from the Kimakonde language and means “that which bends up,” alluding to the deformed appearance of those who have the disease and have a joint up arrow. The illness was initially identified in 1952 following an outbreak in southern Tanzania.

Signs and Symptoms of Chikungunya

The first sign of the virus is typically a fever, which is then followed by a rash. The typical incubation period for an illness following a mosquito bite (although this might range from 2 to 12 days) is 4 to 8 days.

These signs include:

• High fever that develops suddenly and often exceeds 102 degrees F
• Joint aches
• Headache
• Myalgia
• Conjunctivitis
• Nausea
• Vomiting Rash

Chikungunya Risk Factors and Causes

A virus called a virus is spread to people by infected mosquitoes. The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is to blame. The virus cannot be passed on directly from one sick individual to another. When a mosquito feed on a person who has the virus circulating in their blood, the sickness is transmitted. Through its bite, the mosquito can acquire the virus and pass it on to another person.

No infants have been reported to have contracted the chikungunya virus through breastfeeding, according to the CDC. Mosquitoes carrying the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species are the primary vectors of the Chikungunya virus. The mosquitoes that spread the dengue virus are the same ones.

How is Virus Diagnosed?

Your doctor could advise a series of blood tests to check for the virus or antibodies if you just return from a region where the virus is known to be transmitted and are feeling ill with a high fever and joint pain.  The diagnosis of chikungunya virus infection can be made using a variety of techniques. IgM and IgG anti-chikungunya antibodies may be detected by serological testing, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Chikungunya Treatment and Medicine Options

Since there is no specific antiviral medication for chikungunya, treatment focus on symptom relief. Treatment consists of:

• Antidiabetics to lower fever
• Analgesics to treat pain and lower fever
• Consuming a lot of liquids

Chikungunya prevention through rest

The best strategy to prevent contracting the virus is to avoid mosquito bites as there is no vaccination or preventive medication available. However, some promising vaccinations are presently undergoing clinical testing.

Travellers to high-risk regions should take the following common measures, among others:

• Wearing clothing with long sleeves, long trousers, and other skin-protective features
• Applying repellents to one’s skin or clothing
• Making ensuring there are enough screen in interior areas to keep mosquitoes out
• If you sleep during the day, cover your bed with mosquito nets coated with insecticide.
• If you spend a lot of time outside in mosquito-infested areas, you should wear mosquito netting over your face and neck in addition to using gloves or repellents.
• Preventing travel to regions where chikungunya is a problem
• Using pesticide vaporizers and mosquito coils during the day

Conclusion

The insects that spread Zika and dengue also spread the virus known as chikungunya. On occasion, it may pass from the mother to the new-born shortly after birth. Perhaps infected blood could potentially be a means of transmission. African, Asian, European, Indian and Pacific Oceans, Caribbean, Central and South American regions have all had virus outbreaks. Symptoms can be severe in most affected individuals. In most cases, they begin 3–7 days after being bit by an infected mosquito. Joint discomfort and fever are the most typical symptoms. Headache, muscle soreness, joint swelling, and rash are some more symptoms that could be present.