What is Chikungunya
Chikungunya fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. The symptoms include severe and persistent joint pain and fever similar to dengue fever. It is usually NOT life threatening. But the joint pains can last for a long time and hence full recovery may take months.
History of Chikungunya Disease
Chikungunya(pronounced as chik’-en-GUN-yah) disease was first detected in 1952 in africa at a place called Makonde Plateau. This is a border area between Tanzania and Mozambique. The name "chikungunya" is from the Makonde language and its meaning is "that which bends up". This is a reference to the Chikungunya symptom where patients walk in a stooped posture due to joint pain. Chikungunya is also known as Chicken guinea, Chicken gunaya and Chickengunya. The presence of the word Chicken has also lead to a lot of misconceptions about the disease. Click here for more details on Chikungunya history...
What causes Chikungunya Fever?
Chikungunya disease is a viral disease transmitted in humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti mosquito (also called yellow fever mosquito) is the primary transmission agent of Chikungunya Virus. This is usually found in tropics and hence the reason why Chikungunya is predominantly seen in asian countries. In recent cases, another mosquito species named Aedes albopictus is found to be a carrier. Aedes aegypti bites during day time and hence day time mosquito bite is the main reason for transmission. Click here for more details on what causes Chikungunya disease...
Chikungunya Symptoms
Chikungunya typically starts with one or more of the following symptoms - chills, fever, vomiting, nausea, head ache and joint pain. The attack is sudden and sometimes it is accompanied with rashes. Severe joint pain is the main and the most problematic symptom of Chikungunya. Click here for more details on chikungunya symptoms...
Treatment of Chikungunya
There is no antiviral drug or medicine specifically for Chikungunya. But since chikungunya is cured by immune system in almost all cases there is no need to worry. Treatment usually is for the symptoms and include taking sufficient rest, taking more fluid food and medicines to relieve pain (paracetamol for example). Aspirin should be avoided. Click here for more details on the treatment options for Chikungunya...
Prevention of Chikungunya
We are yet to find a vaccine for Chikungunya. Hence the only way to prevent Chikungunya disease to avoid mosquito bites! Chikungunya virus spreads from human to human only through mosquito carrier. Hence mosquito breeding control is the best way to fight Chikungunya. Click here for details on the prevention of Chikungunya...
Frequently asked questions on Chikungunya
How Chikungunya affects pregnancy? Is Chikungunya fatal? Are there any alternate medicines for treatment?. Click here for a collection of frequently asked questions and answers on Chikungunya disease...
Latest News on Chikungunya
Research is ongoing to find a vaccine for Chikungunya. The disease is spreading outside Asia and it is suspected that new strains of Chikungunya virus are out there. Click here latest news and updates on Chikungunya fever...
