Chikungunya is a viral disease that causes symptoms similar to dengue. The virus is transmitted from human to human by the bites of infected female mosquitoes.
Chikungunya has been identified in nearly 40 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and also in the Americas. A large outbreak of chikungunya in India occurred in 2006 and 2007. Since 2005, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives and Myanmar have reported over 1.9 million cases.
Signs and symptoms
After the bite of an infected mosquito, onset of illness occurs usually between 4 and 8 days but can range from 2 to 12 days.
It causes abrupt onset of fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Most patients recover fully, but in some joint pain may persist for several months.
Serious complications are not common, but in older and debilitate people, the disease can be a cause of death.
Transmission
Most commonly, the mosquitoes involved are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus and can be found biting throughout daylight hours.
Diagnosis
Blood samples can be tested by both serological and virological methods (RT-PCR). Serological tests, such as ELISA may confirm the presence of IgM and IgG anti-chikungunya antibodies.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral drug treatment for Chikungunya. Treatment is mostly symptomatic , using anti-pyretics and optimal analgesics for joint pains and fluids. There is no commercial chikungunya vaccine.
Prevention and control
Prevention and control relies heavily on reducing the number of natural and artificial water-filled container habitats that support breeding of the mosquitoes. During outbreaks, insecticides may be sprayed to kill flying mosquitoes.
Clothing which minimizes skin exposure to the day-biting vectors is advised. Repellents can be applied to exposed skin or to clothing. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets afford good protection. Mosquito coils or other insecticide vaporizers may also reduce indoor biting.
Chikungunya has been identified in nearly 40 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and also in the Americas. A large outbreak of chikungunya in India occurred in 2006 and 2007. Since 2005, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives and Myanmar have reported over 1.9 million cases.
Signs and symptoms
After the bite of an infected mosquito, onset of illness occurs usually between 4 and 8 days but can range from 2 to 12 days.
It causes abrupt onset of fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Most patients recover fully, but in some joint pain may persist for several months.
Serious complications are not common, but in older and debilitate people, the disease can be a cause of death.
Transmission
Most commonly, the mosquitoes involved are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus and can be found biting throughout daylight hours.
Diagnosis
Blood samples can be tested by both serological and virological methods (RT-PCR). Serological tests, such as ELISA may confirm the presence of IgM and IgG anti-chikungunya antibodies.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral drug treatment for Chikungunya. Treatment is mostly symptomatic , using anti-pyretics and optimal analgesics for joint pains and fluids. There is no commercial chikungunya vaccine.
Prevention and control
Prevention and control relies heavily on reducing the number of natural and artificial water-filled container habitats that support breeding of the mosquitoes. During outbreaks, insecticides may be sprayed to kill flying mosquitoes.
Clothing which minimizes skin exposure to the day-biting vectors is advised. Repellents can be applied to exposed skin or to clothing. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets afford good protection. Mosquito coils or other insecticide vaporizers may also reduce indoor biting.
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