What exactly Chikungunya is?
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease. It is an RNA virus that belongs to alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae. The patient who suffers from Chikungunya has fever at frequent intervals along with severe joint pain, fatigue, headache, nausea etc. The difference between Dengue and Chikungungya is that Dengue spreads only through mosquitoes but Chikungunya spreads from monkeys, cattle and mosquitoes as well.
When did it start?
The surprising fact about Chikungunya is that it was first diagnosed and described during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952. Since then, Chikungunya has been identified in over 60 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
How does it spread?
The virus is transmitted from human to human by the bites of infected female mosquitoes. It is from the same species which spread dengue.
Ways to prevent Chikungunya
1. As the disease is transmitted by the mosquitoes, prevention and control relies importantly on reducing the water filled containers that support breeding of the mosquitoes. Mainly these species breed in the water filled areas only.
2. Do not fill any vessel, any bucket in your bathroom with water. These species breed in fresh water.
3. Children, Old age people and pregnant women are more prone to such disease. It is advisable to wear full sleeved clothes during the outbreak
4. Use repellants for the mosquitoes. Close all the windows and doors to restrict the entry of any insect.
5. Do not just clean your house, clean the surrounding areas. Do not let any place in and around you breed the mosquitoes.
How to Treat Chikungunya
1. Visit a doctor as soon as you see that you are suffering from fever from 2-3 days
2. Drink a lot of water and other drinks to prevent dehydration
3. Take medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or paracetamol to reduce fever and pain.
Remember: An infected person can spread the virus to other person so take the precautionary measures in advance.