Facts about Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever caused by an alphavirus that is spread by mosquito bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Chikungunya virus is highly infective and disabling but is not transmissible between people. It spreads through mosquito bites.

Chickungunya was not considered fatal but in 2005-06; 200 deaths were reported. An emerging epidemic currently noted in districts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. 80,000 people have been affected so far in Gulbarga, Tumkur, Bidar, Raichur, Bellary, Chitradurga, Davangere, Kolar and Bijapur districts. Majorly, stagnation of water, which provides fertile breeding grounds, should be avoided.

Symptoms

-Viral fever upto 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 degree Fahrenheit)
- Rashes on limbs and trucks
- Arthritis affecting multiple joints, which can be debilitating
- Severe headaches, chills, nausea, vomiting, conjunctival infection, slight photophobia
- Hemorrhage is rare

Treatment

-Supportive care with rest is indicated during acute joint symptoms
- Movement and mild exercise suggested by doctors tend to improve stiffness and arthritis.
- Illness is usually self-limiting and will resolve with time

The virus can killed by common disinfectants, moist heat and drying. The mosquitoes need to be controlled with insecticides.

Compiled by: Pragathi K