What
causes Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral
disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes to humans. It has nothing to do with
chicken. The word ‘chikungunya’ comes from Bantu language. It means 'that which
bends up'. This refers to the stooped posture patients frequently adopt due to severe
joints and back pain.
How is it
diagnosed?
Chikungunya virus infection is commonly diagnosed
by blood test that identify the antibodies to the virus. The antibody test is called
Chikungunya IgM antibody. It is usually requested after
5-7 days after symptom onset. The test may come as ‘false negative’ in the
first few days from symptom onset. The test can remain positive for several
months.
What are the symptoms Chikungunya?
Symptoms usually begin 3—7
days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever
and severe joint pains. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint
swelling, backache or rash. Most patients will feel better within a week. In
some people, the joint pain may persist for months.
Who is at risk of catching Chikungunya?
All of us living in
countries like India are at risk of catching chikungunya infection. 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.
What are the symptoms of Chikungunya?
Chikungunya fever: varies from low grade to high grade, lasting
for 24 to 48 hours. Fever rises abruptly in some, reaching 39-400 C, with
shaking chills and rigor and usually subsides with use of antipyretics.
Chikungunya joint pain: Typically
seen two to five days after onset of fever. Joint pains tend to be worse in the morning, relieved by
mild exercise and exacerbated by aggressive movements. Joints of lower limbs -Ankles,
knees – are commonly affected. Often, the arthritis
is severe and debilitating, leading to immobilization due to pain.
The chronic phase of the
disease, characterized by recurrent joint pain, can be seen in around 30-40% of
those infected. It can last for years in some cases. This arthralgia can
evolve to a chronic inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis).
Chikungunya rash: Transient rash is seen in up to 50% patients (usually three days after fever), which starts on
the limbs, can involve the face and may be patchy or diffuse. The skin lesions
are itchy and exfoliative dermatitis is common.
How is it
prevented?
Currently, there is no vaccine available.
Preventing mosquito bites is the only way to reduce the risk of infection.
Mosquitoes that spread chikungunya virus usually bite humans during the day -
peak in the early morning and late afternoon.
If you have a family member
with chikungunya infection
During the first
week of infection, chikungunya virus can be passed from an infected person to a
mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus
to other people. To prevent further spread
of the virus, it is important for people to avoid mosquito bites during the
first week of illness. The person should stay indoors or under a
mosquito net.
Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely
to be protected from future infections.
How is it
treated?
Treatment involves at relieving your symptoms
of joint pains and fever. If you are experiencing symptoms of chikungunya virus
infection, see a doctor immediately.
Treatment to relieve symptoms includes:
·
Drinking plenty of fluids.
·
Bed rest.
·
Taking pain relief such as
paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medications.
·
Doctor may prescribe
steroids if necessary.
