Chikungunya

Chikungunya

Chikungunya (pronunciation: \chik-en-gun-ye\) is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It was first described during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952. The name 'chikungunya' derives from a word in the Kimakonde language, meaning 'to become contorted', and describes the stooped appearance of sufferers with joint pain.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can vary in duration. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases, joint pain may persist for several months, or even years.

Transmission

Chikungunya is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, with peak times being early in the morning and late in the afternoon. These mosquitoes can also transmit other mosquito-borne viruses, including dengue fever and Zika virus.

Diagnosis

The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue and Zika, diseases spread through the same mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya. See your healthcare provider if you develop the symptoms described above and have visited an area where chikungunya is found.

Treatment

There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat chikungunya virus. Treat the symptoms: Get plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration, take medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain.

Prevention

The best way to prevent chikungunya is to prevent mosquito bites. This can be done by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, staying in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens, using insect repellent, and removing standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs.

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Chikungunya
• Wikipedia's article - Chikungunya

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