Introduction
Chikungunya virus affects people when bit by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos. Chikungunya fever outbreaks were first recorded in the Maldives in December 2006. The most common symptoms of infection are fever and joint pain.
Other symptoms include -;
- a rash
- a headache,
- tight muscles, and joint swelling or a rash.
People in different continents like Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean have experienced outbreaks of Chikungunya. As a result, sick travelers can spread the disease to places where the disease has not been spread. Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine or treatment to prevent or treat an infection with the chikungunya virus. However, travelers can effectively protect themselves by avoiding mosquito bites.
Prevention
The Chikungunya virus is transferred to humans through mosquito bites. In most cases, vaccination cannot protect against the chikungunya virus. Therefore, preventing mosquito bites is the most straightforward way to avoid contracting Chikungunya.
To prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes-:
- wear long sleeves and pants and head gears
- take precautions both indoors and outside
- Make use of insect repellant.
- Sleep under a mosquito net
Treatment
Chikungunya cannot currently be prevented or treated with a vaccine or medication.
Treating the signs and symptoms that you see in a patient is better.
- Ensure that you receive enough rest.
- Drink much water to prevent dehydration.
- Acetaminophen or paracetamol can be used to treat fever and pain.
- Avoid aspirin and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) until dengue fever has been ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- If you are presently taking medication for another medical condition, see your healthcare provider before taking any additional medication.
- Avoid mosquito bites for the first week if you have Chikungunya.
Spread of Chikenguniya
During the first week of illness, the chikungunya virus can be detected in the blood. Then, the virus can be passed from an infected person to a mosquito through a mosquito bite. Throughout recent years, there have been widespread epidemics of chikungunya fever in India and the Indian Ocean island nations. Even though it is not a fatal disease, high morbidity rates and long-term polyarthritis create significant disability in a section of the population. In addition, they can have a significant socioeconomic impact in affected countries.
The virus is more contagious in newborns, seniors, and people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems.
Conclusion
There is no cure for chikungunya. Most people get better on their own and fully recover. Though joint pain may last for months, many symptoms subside within a week. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen will help with it and any fever you may be feeling. Additionally, you should hydrate well and rest frequently. When traveling to countries where the chikungunya virus is present, use insect repellent, long sleeves, and pants, and stay in areas with air conditioning or window and door screens.
References
- https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/guidelines-on-clinical-management-of-chikungunya-fever
- https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/symptoms/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/hc/treatment-prevention.html
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-chikungunya
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chikungunya
