Chikungunya
What is Chikungunya?
It is a mosquito borne infection caused by a virus called Chikungunya
Chikungunya – Cause
Transmission
Mosquito bites and sucks
blood containing the
Chikungunya virus
from an infected person.
The Chikungunya virus
is then carried by
the mosquito and it
multiplies in its gut.
This mosquito, then passes
the Chikungunya virus to
healthy people when it
bites them.
Manifestation of illness between 1 to 12 days
Chikungunya – Symptoms
High Fever
Severe
Joint Pain
Muscle Pain
Nausea &
Fatigue
Rash &
Headache
Joint
Swelling
Symptoms Appear
4-7 DAYS
After being bitten by a carrier mosquito
Symptoms Last
2-3 DAYS
The Virus Remains
in the Body for
5-7 DAYS
How is chikungunya diagnosed?
Often, your doctor would clinically suspect chikungunya based on your history of recent exposure, signs and symptoms.
However, a confirmation of chikungunya is possible only through specific lab tests
This includes serological lab tests that detect antibodies to chikungunya or the more advanced and confirmatory chikungunya PCR test
How can chikungunya be treated?
There are no specific treatments for chikungunya.
There is no vaccine currently available.
Chikungunya is treated symptomatically, usually with bed rest, fluids, and medicines to relieve symptoms of fever and aching.
How to prevent chikungunya?
The best way to prevent infection from chikungunya virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night.
Use insect repellent, wear long sleeved clothing, fully covering your upper and lower limbs and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
