Chikungunya is a Mosquito borne viral disease caused by RNA virus. The word " Chikungunya" means " That which Bends up ", of the contorted posture of the people affected with the severe joint pain and arthritic symptoms associated with this disease.

Signs and Symptoms :

The incubation period of the chikungunya virus ranges from One to Twelve days, and is most Typically Three to Seven. The disease may be asymptomatic, but generally is not, as 72% to 97% of those infected will develop symptoms. It is characterized by frequent fever accompanied by Joint Pain, and Skin Rashes. Other Symptoms may occur, including headache, fatigue, digestive complaints, and conjunctivitis. The Joint lasts for a few days or may be prolonged to weeks. Typically the disease begin with a sudden High fever that lasts from a few days to a week, and some times up to ten days. The fever is usually above 102 Degree Fahrenheit and sometimes reach 104 degree Fahrenheit and may  be lasting several days , breaking and then returning back.

Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months , or even years. Rash occurs in 40-50% of cases, the rashes occurs generally 4-5 days after onset of symptoms , including abdominal pain Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, may also occur. In more than half of cases, normal activity is limited by significant fatigue and pain. Serious complications are not common, but in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death. Often symptoms in infected individuals are mild and the infection may go unrecognised, or be misdiagnosed  in areas where dengue occurs. Its virus is passed to humans when a bite from infected mosquito breaks the skin and introduces the virus into the body. These mosquito can be found biting throughout daylight hours, though there may be peaks of activity in the early morning and late afternoon. After the bite of an infected mosquito, onset of illness occurs usually between 4 and 8 days but can range from 2 to 12 days.

Ways to Diagnose the Disease 

Chikungunya is diagnosed on the basis of clinical test, epidemilogical, and laboratory criteria. 

Ways of Treatment:

There are no specific antiviral drug treatment for this painful disease. Treatment is directed primarily at relieving the symptoms, including the joint pain using anti-pyretics, optimal analgesics and fluids. There is no commercial Chikungunya Vaccine.