Chikungunya – A Complete Detail About Virus, Causes, Treatment And Its Prevention

What Is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a virus spread by mosquitoes. It is not passable from person to person. Mostly a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes causing a sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain. The Signs and symptoms of Chikungunya usually appear within two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. To date, no effective viral treatment or vaccine exists to prevent chikungunya fever. Outbreaks have occurred in countries like Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian oceans. This disease shares some clinical signs with dengue and zika and can sometimes be misdiagnosed in areas where they are familiar.

What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Chikungunya?

The symptoms for Chikungunya usually begin 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. It is characterized by the frequent onset of fever along with joint pain and with common symptoms that incorporate muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Symptoms are generally self-limiting and usually lasts for 2-3 days. This virus remains in the human system for at least 5 to 7 days. Chikungunya also shares some clinical signs with dengue. One thing that needs to know that there are rare chances of death because of Chikungunya, but its symptoms are severe. Once a person is affected by the Chikungunya virus, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.

How Can Chikungunya Be Diagnosed?

Several methods are used to diagnose chikungunya virus infection. Serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), may confirm the presence of IgM and IgG anti-chikungunya antibodies. Check with your healthcare provider immediately if you develop the symptoms or have visited an area where Chikungunya is found. The virus is isolated from the blood during the first few days of infection.

Chikungunya Causes:

• Incidentally, Chikungunya is caused by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
• The disease spread through the bite of the female species of the mosquito, which is transmitted from one person to another.
• These mosquitoes bite mainly during the day.
• The virus can spread via blood transfusion.
• Virology or Transmission

Treatment:

• There is no such vaccine to prevent or treat the chikungunya virus.
• Have rest enough.
• Get enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Take medicines such as acetaminophen or paracetamol to reduce fever and pain.

Prevention And Control:

• Infected people always take of things that the mosquitos are not biting them.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants.
• Lower your risks for mosquito bites.
• Try to stay in screened-in areas or indoors, probably in air conditioning.
• If you go outside the house without long sleeves, try to use a mosquito repellent that has DEET.
• Dump out any standing water in household things like flower pots in your house.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Do not use directly on the skin.
• Use a mosquito net if the area is exposed to outdoors.
• Always the toilet’s seat down if they are not in use.
• Shower daily and use unscented shampoos, since mosquitoes attract to smells like perfume and sweat.
• Try growing marigold or lemongrass, which are natural insect repellent.

As per the report, the Chikungunya’s morality rate is slightly less than 1 in 1000. If you suspect that you might be infected with the Chikungunya virus, first consult with a physician and do the laboratory tests.