Chikungunya

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Chikungunya

       Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It is caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the main vectors of chikungunya in Asia and the Indian Ocean islands. They mainly bite during the day. The virus was first reported in 1952 in Tanzania. Since then it has been attributed to many outbreaks in a number of countries. The virus is geographically distributed in Africa, Southeast Asia and India. Sporadic cases are regularly reported from different countries in the affected regions. A CHIKV infection causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, joint swelling, headache, nausea, fatigue and rush. No vaccine exists to prevent chikungunya fever and there’s no effective antiviral treatment. However, the disease runs a limited course and rarely causes serious complications. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms with rest, fluids and medications. The best means of prevention is overall mosquito control and the avoidance of bites in areas where the disease is common. This may be partly achieved by decreasing mosquitoes’ access to water and with the use of insect repellent and mosquito nets. Most of the patients come round within a week.