Understanding about Chikungunya

Understanding about Chikungunya:

Chikunguny is a debilitating, but non-fatal, viral illness that is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Mostly it has resemblance of dengue fever.

It usually spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. Humans are thought to be the major source, or reservoir, of chikungunya virus for mosquitoes. Therefore, the mosquito usually transmits the disease by biting an infected person and then biting someone else. An infected person cannot spread the infection directly to other persons (i.e. it is not a contagious disease). Aedes aegypti mosquitoes bite during the day time.

Symptoms:

Chikungunya usually starts suddenly with fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, and rash. In Swahili, "chikungunya" means "that which contorts or bends up". This refers to the contorted (or stooped) posture of patients who are afflicted with the severe joint pain (arthritis) which is the most common feature of the disease. Frequently, the infection causes no symptoms, especially in children. While recovery from chikungunya is the expected outcome, convalescence can be prolonged and persistent joint pain may require analgesic (pain medication) and long-term anti-inflammatory therapy. Infection appears to confer lasting immunity.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Chikungunya is diagnosed by blood tests (ELISA). Since the clinical appearance of both chikungunya and dengue are similar, laboratory confirmation is important especially in areas where dengue is present. Such facilities are, at present, available at National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune & National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Delhi.

There is no specific treatment for chikungunya. Supportive therapy that helps ease symptoms, such as administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and getting plenty of rest, may be beneficial. Infected persons should be isolated from mosquitoes in as much as possible in order to avoid transmission of infection to other people.

Source:NVBDCP