Max Lab
Sep 21, 2022
Transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito, chikungunya is a viral disease that is characterised by symptoms including severe joint pain and fever. Chikungunya is caused by the bite of a female mosquito that is carrying the chikungunya virus. It cannot be transmitted from person to person but at times is known to have been transmitted through contact with an infected person’s blood as well. Infection from the chikungunya virus is rarely fatal, but chikungunya symptoms can get quite severe, lasting for long periods of time.
No, chikungunya and dengue are caused by different viruses. However, both diseases are transmitted by the same species of mosquitoes. While the symptoms of chikungunya may resemble those of dengue, Zika is another virus that has similar signs and transmission methods. Due to these similarities, healthcare providers may consider all three viruses as potential causes of chikungunya when a person presents certain symptoms, especially if they have recently travelled abroad.
The Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquitoes are the two types of mosquitoes that are the main causes of chikungunya transmission. If the mosquito bites an infected person, it can transmit the virus to a healthy person through its bite. The Aedes Aegypti is mostly found in tropical countries, while Aedes Albopictus can be found in different parts of the world due to its ability to survive in different climatic conditions.
The symptoms of chikungunya fever are quite similar to those of diseases like dengue. They generally start appearing within a few days of getting infected and of all symptoms, the most prolonged symptom caused by chikungunya is joint pain. Ranging from mild to severe, the symptoms of the chikungunya fever include:
Less common, rare signs of chikungunya fever include maculopapular rash, conjunctivitis, nausea, vomiting, etc.
As the signs of chikungunya infection are similar to those of several other diseases, a well-priced chikungunya test is the only way to diagnose the virus. People showing symptoms may be asked to undergo a series of tests, like the ELISA test for chikungunya antibodies and antigens or a doctor might want to look at the virological blood report for chikungunya. The price of a chikungunya test is quite affordable, and it is important to get a chikungunya diagnosis as soon as one notices any symptoms, so dengue, which has a high fatality rate, can be ruled out.
Chikungunya can lead to several complications, with the most common being persistent joint pain. Some individuals experience this pain for months or even years after the initial infection.
Certain groups are more vulnerable to severe complications, including newborns, older adults (65 and above), and those with specific underlying health conditions. These conditions, which increase the risk of severe outcomes, include diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
While death from chikungunya is rare, there have been instances where individuals continue to experience heart, eye, or neurological symptoms even after recovering. Understanding the causes of chikungunya is crucial for identifying individuals at higher risk and preventing complications.
The likelihood of contracting chikungunya is higher for individuals travelling to areas currently experiencing outbreaks or known cases of the virus. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or check with organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) before travelling to assess the risk of chikungunya at the destination.
Pregnant individuals with chikungunya do not transmit the virus to their unborn baby, and there is no evidence to suggest the virus can be passed through breast milk. However, pregnant individuals, especially those close to their due date, should avoid travelling to regions with known outbreaks, as the virus may be passed to the baby during delivery.
There is no vaccine for chikungunya, but most patients tend to recover completely from the infection. However, in many cases, the joint pain may persist for several months or years afterwards as well. Some patients may even have a relapse of symptoms like polyarthritis, polyarthralgia, Raynaud’s syndrome, or tenosynovitis.
After recovery, an individual is also likely to be immune from future infections. Severe cases of the virus are extremely rare and are generally related to other existing health problems. Newborn babies and people over the age of 65 who have conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure are more prone to suffer from severe cases of chikungunya if infected. The chikungunya recovery time may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms, with joint pain lasting longer in some cases.
As of yet, there is no antiviral medicine for chikungunya, so treatment generally revolves around relieving the symptoms of the virus and can include:
With no vaccine having been approved for the prevention of chikungunya, the best way to avoid the virus is by avoiding mosquito bites. Basic precautions will include:
Chikungunya is a virus that one gets from a mosquito bite. For some people the recovery time is around one week, and on the other hand, it can cause severe complications in people with certain health conditions. Wearing insect repellent, staying inside, and wearing full-sleeved clothes are some of the best ways to avoid chikungunya and prevent mosquito bites.
Taking proper precautions and getting timely treatment for Chikungunya if infected are the best ways to deal with the chikungunya virus. The same symptoms as that of chikungunya can also be noticed in patients with Zika virus or dengue, so getting a proper diagnosis performed on time is of prime importance. The recovery time of chikungunya can be prolonged for individuals who experience complications or relapses of symptoms.
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