Chickungunya

Chickungunya is a viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIVK) and transmitted by the two species of mosquitoes - Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti. It is a myth that chickungunya is caused by intake of chicken as the name of disease suggest the word 'chicken'. Chickungunya is common disease in Asia, Africa and European countries.

Chikungunya was first seen in 1952-1953 in Tanzania during an epidemic. Chikungunya is a word in the local language of Tanzania which means 'that bends up'.

Clinical presentation of chikungunya
The symptoms of CHIVK virus is same as the dengue fever. Hence the misdiagnosis between these two conditions are commonly seen.

• The most common symptom is pain in joints especially knee, ankles and wrists which are commonly affected. The pain increases with the external pressure at the site or joint. The joint pain may present with swelling or without the swelling of joints.
• Initial symptoms are flu like - fever chills, joint pains, headache, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain and weakness.
• Petechial rash commonly seen on the trunk and less commonly on the limbs. Rashes with the multiple joints pain are commonly seen.
• Sometimes the joint pain persist for several months while some patients recover completely.
• If the symptoms are vague and mild the misdiagnosis is very common by the doctors.

Transmission of Virus
There is a cycle of transmission of virus - mosquito -human-mosquito cycle. It means that the virus is transmitted to human when the infected mosquito bites the human for food. The egg of these mosquitoes are laid in human body and the larva develops into adult and rotate in the human blood. Again when the mosquito bites this infected human the virus enters into the mosquitoes body and thus cycle goes on. This mosquito bite during the daytime.

Diagnosis of Chickungunya and Dengue fever
As both the diseases are similar in symptoms wise diagnosis becomes difficult.
1) Chickungunya antigen and antibody blood test and dengue antigen antibody test helps to diagnose and differentiate these two diseases.

2) Virus isolation is very specific test for chickungunya but the result takes approximately 2 weeks.

Treatment and Cure
There is no specific treatment or vaccines for chickungunya.
1) The treatment is based on the symptoms like if fever and bodyache is present then painkiller or analgesics are prescribed.

2) Mild movement of joints and exercise is required to reduce the joint pain and stiffness.

3) Homeopathic treatment - Based on the clinical presentation of each patient the homeopathic remedy is prescribed. The commonly prescribed homeopathic medicine for chickungunya are Rhus Tox, Bryonia, Eupatorium and Gelsimium. During an epidemic condition homeopathic medicines can be used as preventive medicine in chickungunya.

Prevention of mosquitoes breeding and bites
It is necessary to prevent the mosquito breeding in order to control the disease. The mosquitoes breed easily in damp and moist place and during rainy season.

1) Regularly clean the water storage areas like water tanks, water buckets, tubs and close them with the lids.

2) Do not store water for longer time like for weeks together in the same container. Empty the vessel or container when it is not in use.

3) If there is a garden around your house then clean the contaminated water around the plants.

4) Do not throw the waste paper , cans, etc outside the house. Throw them in the dustbin.

5) Close the lids of dustbin and wash the dustbin regularly to avoid breeding of mosquitoes.

6) If there is an epidemic of chickungunya then avoid the mosquito bites by wearing full sleeves and thicker clothes.

7) Use mosquito coils and mosquito nets for babies.

8) Special care is required for infants, children and elderly as they may get easily infected with disease.

9) For community - People must be made aware of the disease and its epidemic problems and make the practice of prevention techniques.