Chikungunya is a viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes and causes fever and severe joint pain. It was first discovered during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952. The virus belongs to the alphavirus genus and is made of ribonucleic acid (RNA). The name “chikungunya” comes from a word in the Kimakonde language, which means “to become contorted” and describes the bent posture of people suffering from joint pain.
The disease is transmitted by female mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are also responsible for spreading other viruses like dengue. These mosquitoes bite during the daytime, with increased activity in the morning and late afternoon. Chikungunya is present in Africa and Asia, but cases have also been reported in Europe and the Americas since 2005, with over 2 million cases documented.
Chikungunya has been found in more than 110 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chikungunya typically manifest 4 to 7 days after a person has been bitten by an infected mosquito. Although the disease is not often fatal, symptoms may be distressing and last for 2-3 days. Common symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and a rash. The joint pain can be severe and may last for several days to weeks.
Most people recover fully, but some may experience joint pain for months or even years. In rare cases, complications affecting the eyes, nervous system, heart, or gastrointestinal system have been reported. While serious complications are not common, the disease can contribute to mortality in older individuals. In areas where dengue is also present, chikungunya symptoms may be mild, and the infection may be misdiagnosed or go unnoticed.
Treatment
Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs or commercial vaccines available for the treatment or prevention of chikungunya. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms, such as joint pain, through the use of anti-pyretic drugs to reduce fever and optimizing the use of pain medication and fluids. However, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be given until dengue has been ruled out to avoid the risk of bleeding.
Preventing and controlling chikungunya outbreaks heavily relies on reducing the number of water-filled habitats that serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes. During outbreaks, insecticides may be sprayed to kill flying mosquitoes or applied to surfaces and water habitats where mosquitoes land and breed. Clothing that minimizes skin exposure to mosquitoes and repellents can be used to protect against mosquito bites. Mosquito nets treated with insecticide are also effective protection, especially for those who sleep during the day, such as young children, sick or older people. Insecticide vaporizers or coils may also help reduce indoor mosquito bites.
