Humans are a major source of Chikunguya virus: Dr Prasad

Mumbai, Aug 1 (UNI) 'Chikunguya' is a viral disease caused by the bite of the ''Aedes Mosquito'', primarily Aedes aegypti for which humans are major source of the deadly virus, according to Dr Durga Prasad of Dabur India.

The mosquito usually trasmits the disease by biting an infected person and then spreads the disease by biting others. The illness is characterised by fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomitting, joint pain and rashes, Dr Prasad said.

The signs and symptoms of Chikunguya resemble ''Vata-Pitta Ja Jwara'', one of the 13 types of fever basis etiology and features in ancient Ayurveda texts, for which the recommended treatment includes regular intake of decoction made of Mustaka, Parpataka, Khas, Chandan, Sugandbala and Sonth. Gentle application and massage of Dabur New Rehumatil gel on the affected joints provide quick relief for joint pains, he informed.

Following measures should be taken for the prevention of the disease since the only known Chikunguya virus vaccine has very limited availability. Prevention therefore centres on avoiding mosquito bites while travelling to areas where the Chikungunya is known to occur, he disclosed.

Other preventive measures include eliminating mosquito breeding sites, when in- indoors staying in well screened areas, usage of bednets and mosquito repellents, he added.

The prevalence of the deadly Chikunguya menace is witnessed in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Kerala.

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