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Chikungunya |
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Chikungunya is a febrile illness caused by
an
alpha virus of the same name and spread by the
Aedes
aegypti (and may be
Aedes albopictus) mosquitoes. The disease
is prevalent in west, central and southern Africa and many areas of Asia and has been spreading
across the Indian Ocean coastline in the past 2 years, infecting millions of
people in countries like India.
The name
Chikungunya is derived from the
Makonde word
meaning "that which bends up" in reference to the stooped posture developed as a
result of the arthritic symptoms of the disease.
Chikungunya Virus
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Symptoms
The symptoms appear after 2-12 days (average 3-7 days) although some patients
may remain symptom free. Symptoms may appear suddenly and dramatically with
fever and fleeting joint pains (with
or without swelling),
so severe in some that the patient is confined to the bed. A petechial or maculopapular
rash on the limbs and
trunk, headache,
conjunctival injection, and slight photophobia may be other
symptoms. The fever typically lasts for two days and comes down abruptly.
However, joint pain, intense headache, insomnia and an extreme
degree of prostration can last for a variable period, usually for about 5 to 7
days or in some cases, even for weeks or months.
Chikungunya by itself is considered as a non-fatal illness,
although some deaths have been reported in elderly and debilitated patients.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be confirmed by serological tests.
However, it is not widely available.
Treatment
No specific treatment is needed for Chikungunya. Severe pain and fever may be
treated with paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen and other
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Aspirin should be avoided. Rest and
avoidance of heavy exercise are recommended. Some reports have suggested that
chloroquine, the antimalarial drug, may be effective in treating the arthritis
due to chikungunya.
Prevention
As yet, no vaccine is available against chikungunya.
The only way to protect oneself against Chikungunya is to protect from mosquito
bites.
Infected persons should limit further exposure to mosquito bites, stay
indoors and under a mosquito net so as to prevent spread of the infection.
Sources:
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