Chikungunya virus symptoms diagnosis & treatment- HealthStub

Chikungunya Virus :What to need to know

Chikungunya is a viral disease that is spread by mosquito bites. It is a mosquito-borne fever that can cause high-grade fever and crippling joint pain. The first outbreak of this viral disease was observed in southern Tanzania in 1962. The twisted name of the language of the disease comes from the Kimakonde language which means to become 'contorted'. , bit humans, infecting them. In addition, when a mosquito feeds the blood of an infected person and bites other people, it can infect them as well. The two virus species that spread chikungunya are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These types of mosquitoes are found all over the world and are also responsible for the spread of the dengue virus. This disease is caused by an RNA virus. The onset of chikungunya can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, joint pain, and paralyzing body aches. These symptoms appear 5 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. It is important to understand that although there is no cure for this condition, complete attention is given to effective symptom management to aid in recovery. For a correct diagnosis of chikungunya, it is important to have a blood test because the symptoms can mimic other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes like dengue or zika virus. Remember that if the chikungunya is not tested at the right time, it is not even reflected in the lab results.

Chikungunya Virus Causes & Symptoms

Chikungunya is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Although it does not spread from person to person, it can be transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms of chikungunya usually appear between 4 and 7 days, but can sometimes take around 2 to 12 days.

Usually, chikungunya will start with a sharp fever with joint pain.

These mosquitoes typically bite during the day and in the late afternoon and are more active outdoors. The most common species of mosquitoes carrying this virus are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, and they breed in human homes. Although this disease is rarely fatal, it can even prevent patients from walking properly due to severe pain.

Although there is currently no identified cure for this debilitating disease, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms such as fever and joint pain.

Watch out for the sudden onset of fever with disabling pain in the joints and / or stiffness. This viral fever severely affects the joints of the fingers of the hands and feet, causing sharp pain and even swelling. It is important to understand that debilitating pain can often persist for weeks, months, or even years. While patients recover in most cases, the persistent pain will decide whether the chikungunya is acute, subacute, or chronic.

Some of the other common symptoms of chikungunya viral fever include:

• muscle pain

• headache

• fatigue

• nausea

• skin rash

• swelling of the joints

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, some of the other rare complications of chikungunya include eye, neurological, and heart complications. The elderly and newborns (infected at the time of birth) are particularly at risk of these serious complications which, in the worst circumstances, can become fatal. A high percentage of people infected with the chikungunya virus get sick.

Prevention & Myths

- Since chikungunya is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, it is important to take the necessary precautions, if your house is near a mosquito breeding ground.

- Make sure you dispose of water properly so that there is no standing water in and around your home.

- Make a point of wearing clothes with long sleeves to avoid mosquito bites.

- Avoid wearing dark, tight clothing, as mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors. You can choose to wear loose, light-colored clothing that covers the entire body.

- If you cannot wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellant containing 10% DEET to repel mosquitoes. Always read the label directions, especially for babies, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

- Use mosquito nets and screens to stay safe from bites.

- Stay inside fenced areas or indoors where there is air conditioning.

- You can also opt for natural mosquito repellents made from citronella and marigold.

- Take extra care during the day to minimize the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes.

- Shower daily and use unscented shampoos. Mosquitoes are thought to be attracted to odors like perfume and sweat.

MYTH 1. Mosquitoes bite people with diabetes more because they are “softer”.

FACT: No studies have been found to be true regarding this theory that people with diabetes are more susceptible to mosquito bites, in addition to ordinary people. Plus, mosquitoes just want hemoglobin, not sugar.

MYTH 2. Eating bananas at night increases your chances of getting bitten by mosquitoes.

FACT: A 2012 study indicates that fruits, including bananas, have no role to play if eaten at night, increasing the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes.

MYTH 3. Mosquitoes bite women more than men.

FACT: No specific study has corroborated the fact that women are more prone to being bitten by mosquitoes than men.

MYTH 4. Chikungunya can be transmitted by any mosquito.

FACT: As mentioned above, it can only be spread by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito species.

Chikungunya Treatment

At this time, there is no specific treatment to prevent or treat the chikungunya virus because there is no vaccine available. Therefore, it is important to focus on treating the symptoms to relieve pain and discomfort.

Doctors treat patients symptomatically.

Here are some of the treatment options:

1. Get plenty of rest

2. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration

3. Take medicine to reduce fever and pain only after consulting your doctor.

4. Avoid further exposure to mosquitoes

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for further details.