Chikungunya: What is Chikungunya? Know its causes, symptoms and treatment
What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. Infected patients suddenly suffer from fever and severe joint pain.
Chikungunya virus was first detected in an outbreak in Tanzania in 1952. It is a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus that belongs to the Togaviridae alphavirus class.
How common is Chikungunya?
It has been identified in more than 60 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and America. It can be controlled by reducing its causes. Please consult your doctor for more details.
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What are the symptoms of Chikungunya?
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Rashes
- Symptoms usually appear between 4 and 8 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of the symptoms of this disease are similar to those of dengue and zika. Therefore, it is also a mistake to misunderstand its symptoms as the symptoms of dengue.
This fever does not cause death, but its symptoms can be quite severe. Some of the above symptoms may not be included. If you have any doubts about any of the symptoms, please consult a doctor.
When should I see the doctor?
You or a family member can get chikungunya, especially if you have recently come from a place where there has been an outbreak. In that case contact your doctor.
What causes Chikungunya?
Chikungunya fever is caused by infection with the Chikungunya virus. When a person is infected with this virus and bitten by a mosquito, then that mosquito also gets infected with this virus and when this mosquito bites a healthy person, then he also gets infected with this virus. It is rarely seen that chikungunya virus is transmitted from mother to newborn at birth. Let us tell you that this virus does not spread even through breastfeeding.
Who is more prone to Chikungunya?
- If you live in tropical countries.
- If you go to a place where this virus has spread.
- If you live in an area where there is dirt.
- If you are an adult and suffer from diseases such as high blood pressure (high BP) , diabetes or heart disease, then you are at increased risk of getting infected with this disease.
How is Chikungunya diagnosed?
The symptoms of this fever are very similar to those of dengue and zika, so doctors need a blood test to confirm the disease .
How is Chikungunya Ayurvedic Treatment done?
There is no vaccine to prevent this virus. Treatment can only reduce the symptoms of fever. If there is chikungunya fever, doctors usually advise the patient to take rest. It is advisable to drink more fluids and avoid mosquitoes to avoid dehydration.
Medicines such as acetaminophen or paracetamol are given to reduce pain and fever . Other medicines should not be taken without the permission of the doctor. If you are taking medicine for any other disease, be sure to tell your doctor.
Lifestyle changes and home remedies
- Keep windows/doors closed to keep mosquitoes out.
- Mosquitoes carrying the Chikungunya virus are most active from dawn to dusk, but they can also bite at night. Sleep under a mosquito net especially if you are outside.
- Wear clothes that are full such as long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes to avoid mosquito bites .
- Reducing the breeding area of mosquitoes will reduce the mosquito population. Do not allow water to accumulate in the items kept around the house such as automobile tyres, flower pots etc.
- Use insect repellant only as directed by your doctor.
In this article, we have tried to tell you the important things related to Chikungunya.
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