Chikungunya
(Diseases)
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What is Chikungunya disease?
It is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. Its symptoms are numerous, the most prominent of which is the sudden onset of fever, often accompanied by joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and skin rash. Severe joint pain usually lasts for a few days but may persist for several months or even years. Although serious complications are rare, unusual cases may lead to long-term symptoms or even death, especially among the elderly and children under one year of age.
What are the symptoms of Chikungunya infection?
Symptoms of Chikungunya fever usually appear 4 to 8 days after the bite of an infected mosquito, but the period may range between 2 and 12 days. The fever starts suddenly and is accompanied by severe joint pain, which may last for days, weeks, months, or even years. Other symptoms include swelling of the joints, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and skin rash.
The disease may be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms resemble those of other diseases such as dengue fever and Zika. In some cases, symptoms may be mild and go unnoticed.
What causes Chikungunya infection?
- It is an infection transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes infected with the virus.
What are the methods of diagnosing Chikungunya?
The doctor takes the medical history and performs a clinical examination. Additional procedures may be requested if needed, such as:
- Blood tests:
The Chikungunya virus can be directly detected in blood samples during the first week of the illness using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique.
After the first week, other tests can be used to detect the body’s immune response to the virus by measuring antibody levels. These antibodies can usually be detected by the first week after the onset of the illness and may remain detectable for up to about two months.
Tests may also be requested to rule outNSAIDsother diseases with similar symptoms to Chikungunya.
What are the treatment methods for Chikungunya?
Chikungunya fever and the accompanying joint pain are treated using fever reducers and pain relievers, in addition to drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest. There is no specific antiviral treatment.
- Paracetamol or acetaminophen is recommended to relieve pain and fever until dengue fever is ruled out, as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of bleeding in the case of dengue fever.
- What are the prevention methods for Chikungunya?
- The best way to prevent it is to protect yourself from mosquito bites by:
- Using insect repellents.
Wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants.
Avoiding stagnant water.
Using mosquito zappers, air conditioners, and bed nets.
What are the complications of Chikungunya infection?
Chronic joint and muscle pain, known as chronic Chikungunya arthritis, may occur. Complications may also include serious problems in the eyes, heart, and nerves. However, deaths due to Chikungunya fever are rare.
When should you see a doctor?
If you develop symptoms after recently traveling to an area where the disease is actively spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
