Chikungunya
Things you should know about chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever caused by an alphavirus that is spread by mosquito bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Chikungunya is not considered to be fatal. Chickungunya virus is highly infective and disabling but is not transmissible between people. The name chicungunya. (mistaken by many to be fever related to eating chicken), is derived from an African word meaning ‘that which bends up’ in reference to the arthritic symptoms of the disease.
Chikungunya: Quick facts
- Chickungunya is a viral disease
- Transmission is not possible
- Main symptom is persistent severe joint pains with fever
- It is not fatal
- Currently there are no vaccines
- Mosquito control is the effective prevention technique
- Effective treatment and medication in Homeopathy
- Homeopathy has excellent cure for the persistent joint pains.
Chikungunya disease is a viral disease transmitted in humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary transmission agent of Chikungunya Virus. Aedes aegypti bites during day time and hence day time mosquito bite is the main reason for transmission.
Chikungunya Symptoms
Chikungunya typically starts with one or more of the following symptoms – chills, fever, vomiting, nausea, headache and joint pain. After an incubation period of 3-12 days there is a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms including a severe headache, chills, fever, joint pain, nausea, vomiting and sometimes a rash on the skin. The joints of the extremities become swollen and painful to the tough.
Most patients recover within 3-5 days. The joint pains and swelling can persists for months especially older patients. Generally a person with good immunity can recover well from this infection.
Chikungunya: Prevention
Preventing getting bitten by a mosquito, while being the best defense against infection, is easier said than done.
- Wear clothes which cover most of the body.
- Use mosquito repellents
- Use curtains or window nets which prevent entry of mosquitoes to the house
- Use of cream or spray that can be applied on skin.
The best way is community prevention of mosquito breeding. Drain all the water collected around your house (for example in a pot or water cooler). Ensure that drainages etc. are either closed or chemicals applied. Pond, lakes, and pools in the area need to be cleaned regularly.
Prevention and treatment
Having a good active immunity levels is the best way to prevent the infection. Homeopathic medicines are very effective for both prevention and treatment of this condition. The persistent joint pains which remain after the infection can be cured with Homeopathic medicines.
