This virus is spread through the same mosquitoes that carry Zika and Dengue
Name
Chikunguya (in the Kimakonde language of Tanzania and Mozambique, “chikungunya” means “to become contorted” which describes patients who are bent over from severe joint pain, one of the symptoms)
Transmission
- The virus is transmitted to humans through infected mosquitoes
- Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus
- Though rare, the virus can also be transmitted from mother to child around the time of birth
Geography
- Mostly Africa, Asia, and India but in recent decades, the virus has spread to Europe and the Americas
- Now in over 60 countries
Incubation Period
3 – 7 days after an infected mosquito bite
Signs and Symptoms
- Severe joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Rash
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Symptoms are very similar to Zika virus and dengue fever and occasionally, the same person can be infected with both dengue and chikungunya at the same time
Diagnosis
Laboratory testing of blood samples
Treatment
- There is no specific treatment or cure
- Symptoms are usually treated with pain relievers, rest, and fluids
Prognosis
- Chikungunya rarely leads to death, but the symptoms can be severe especially in newborns, the elderly (65 years+), and those with other medical conditions
- Most patients recover in a week, though the joint pain may persist for months or years
Prevention: What Can You Do?
- Cover or discard standing water in your environment to reduce mosquito breeding
- Prevent mosquito bites
- Use insecticides and mosquito nets
- Wear long, light-colored clothing
Chikungunya In the News
- Costa Rica: Dengue and chikungunya up 600 percent this year
- Fever Outbreak in Italy Linked to Climate Change
- Chikungunya outbreak progresses in Caribbean, Central and South America
Sources:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs327/en/
http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/
