What Is Chikungunya? Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention
With the rapid spread and debilitating symptoms associated with global cases of chikungunya—a mosquito-borne viral disease—it has received widespread attention. Easily confused with dengue, it is similar in some ways but otherwise, it is a different disease. Now let’s look at chikungunya’s symptoms, causes, and prevention.
What Are the Signs of Chikungunya?
Chikungunya fever usually starts with abrupt onset, 2–12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms of chikungunya are:• Severe fever, with chills in many cases.
• Severe joint pain, mostly in the wrists, fingers, knees and ankles.
• Chikungunya rash that manifests as red splotchy skin rashes.
• Headache, fatigue, and muscle pain.
• Nausea and vomiting may also occur in some instances.
While rarely fatal, the joint pain associated with chikungunya can last for weeks or even months and greatly reduces quality of life.
Causes of Chikungunya
The virus is mainly transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite in the daytime and are common in warm, humid climates. Chikungunya cases have become more common in Pakistan in the past few years, particularly during the monsoon season when the breeding of mosquitoes builds up.
Is chikungunya contagious, like diseases like the flu? The answer is no — chikungunya does not spread directly between people. However, an infected mosquito can transmit the virus to more than one person.
Chikungunya vs. Dengue: Spot the Difference
Mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya and dengue also share similar first signs, such as fever and rash. However, loss of mobility and joint pain are more severe in chikungunya than in reshuffling disease. Dengue also often causes serious complications, such as internal bleeding, while chikungunya is less likely to be fatal.
Chikungunya Fever Symptoms and Treatment
No specific chikungunya medicine or antiviral treatment is available to cure the disease. There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, so proper management is required to relieve the symptoms, such as:
• Rest and intake of lots of fluids to help with fatigue and fever.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, to lower fever and relieve joint pain.
• No aspirin to prevent complications such as bleeding.
See a healthcare professional for further evaluation if your symptoms do not improve or get worse.
Chikungunya Prevention
As with all types of spreadable infections, prevention is the best way to prevent chikungunya. A few simple measures can greatly minimize the risk of infection:
Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
Sweeping away stagnant water from containers, pots, and gutters regularly.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long-legged pants to cover your skin, especially at morning and evening mosquito-active hours.
Use Mosquito Repellents
For skin and clothes, use EPA-recommended repellents for effective protection.
Install Mosquito Nets and Screens
Prevent mosquitoes from accessing indoors from entry points.
Community Awareness
Raising awareness about prevention methods and controlling mosquito populations can reduce outbreaks in communities.
The Need for Vigilance
With the global increase of chikungunya cases, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, prevention and awareness are important public health strategies. Although the disease is rarely fatal, the signs and symptoms can interfere significantly with daily life, so preventing the disease is key.
Learn about chikungunya and take preventive measures to shield yourself and your family from this sickness.
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