The chikungunya virus infects humans through the bite of a mosquito. It causes fever and joint pain. It is rarely fatal, but the symptoms can be severe, long lasting, and debilitating.
The chikungunya virus is predominantly transmitted by a bite from an infected female mosquito. In general, it is not considered contagious; however, in rare cases, the virus can be transmitted through contact with an infected individual’s blood.
This article will discuss the chikungunya virus, its causes, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, and ways to avoid the virus.
The symptoms of chikungunya virus are similar to those of other diseases, such as dengue fever. The symptoms normally appear just a few days after a mosquito has bitten an individual. The most
- fever (sometimes as high as 104 °F)
- joint pain
- headache
- muscle pain
- rash
- swelling around the joints
Less commonly, symptoms can be accompanied by a maculopapular rash (similar to measles or heat rash), conjunctivitis, nausea, and vomiting.
Complications of chikungunya
Severe complications
- hepatitis, inflammation of the liver
- myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle
- neurological diseases such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and myelitis
- ocular disease such as uveitis and retinitis
- severe skin lesions
- kidney disease
Only a blood test can definitively diagnose chikungunya. The virus is detectable in blood samples within the
If an individual with the symptoms outlined above has recently visited an area where either of these diseases is common, they should visit a doctor as soon as possible.
The virus is rarely fatal, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling. Acute fever symptoms often resolve
However, joint pains and other symptoms may persist or recur for longer.
There are no specific drugs to treat chikungunya; doctors simply recommend rest and plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medications will help ease fever and joint pain. These include:
- naproxen
- ibuprofen
- acetaminophen
For longer-lasting aches, physiotherapy may be helpful.
Chikungunya vaccine
Seeing as the major mode of chikungunya transmission is by mosquito bite, the best methods of prevention involve minimizing contact with mosquitoes. Steps that can be taken to prevent chikungunya include:
- Using insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) or picaridin on skin and clothing.
- Wearing clothing that covers the whole body.
- Treating clothing and gear with
0.5% permethrin . - Staying indoors as much as possible, especially during early morning and late afternoon.
- Avoiding traveling to areas experiencing outbreaks.
- Using products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD (p-Menthane-3,8-diol) can be effective.
- Choosing lodging that has screens on windows.
- Using air conditioning deters mosquitoes from entering rooms.
- Sleeping under a mosquito net.
- Using mosquito coils and insecticide vaporizers.
Although chikungunya is very rarely fatal, the symptoms are distressing and can be long-lived. Avoiding mosquitoes is key.
The word “chikungunya” comes from the Makonde (or Kimakonde) language. It means, “that which bends up,” “to become contorted,” or “to walk bent over,” describing the stooped appearance of patients with joint pain.
Chikungunya is an RNA virus and a member of the Togaviridae family. The disease was first described during an outbreak in Tanzania in 1952.
The chikungunya virus is an infectious mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, joint pain, and other symptoms in humans.
There are currently no medications to directly treat the infection. Acute symptoms often resolve within a week with rest. Two vaccines are in use among at-risk populations.