A Family Doctor's Tale - CHIKUNGUNYA

DOC I HAVE CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER

Chikungunya Fever is transmitted by the same carrier as dengue fever.

Unlike dengue fever which can cause bleeding in the brain the chikungunya fever predominantly gives rise to high fever and severe body aches.

The danger in chikungunya fever is low compared with dengue fever.

Prevention is again by getting rid of the carrier the Aedes mosquito which is the most difficult part of prevention.



Chikungunya fever is an acute viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus which is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes mosquito).

The incubation period in mosquito is 3-5 days and 1-12 days in humans.

Symptoms usually last 3-10 days.


Symptoms may be the same as denque fever:

fever
rash
severe and prolonged joint pains
muscle pain
chills
headache
fatigue
nausea
vomiting.


Unlike dengue, no cases of hemorrhagic (bleeding) shock syndrome have been reported in chikungunya infection.

There is currently no medication or vaccine for the treatment of chikungunya fever.

TREATMENT IS SYMPTOMATIC:
1.lots of rest,


2.a nutritious diet,


3.plenty of fluids and


4.pain medication may relieve symptoms of joint pain and body aches. Bodyaches is one of the major symptoms of chikungunya infection.

The best way to prevent chikungunya infection is to avoid mosquito bites.

Hence, getting rid of mosquito breeding sites is important. Preventive measures are similar to those for dengue such as:

1.Using insect repellent on exposed skin surfaces when outdoors, especially during the day.


2.Wearing long-sleeved shirt and long pants when outdoors.


3.Having well-screened rooms or air-conditioning to keep the mosquitoes out.


4.Emptying stagnant water from flower vases, flower pots, roof gutters and watering cans to eliminate breeding sites.


A person with chikungunya fever should stay indoors to prevent mosquito bites to avoid further spread of the infection.

Some useful tips when travelling to areas with chikungunya fever outbreaks:

1.Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.


2.Apply mosquito repellents during the daytime


3.Use mosquito coils and bednet if you rest during the daytime or rest in air–conditioned or screened rooms.


4.Spray aerosol insecticide indoor.


If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you are advised to see a doctor immediately.

The doctor may test your blood to detect the presence of the chikungunya virus.

If your blood test shows positive for the virus, stay at home to reduce risk of further transmission of the virus.