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.