The chikungunya fever was first originated in 1952 on the border area of Tanzania and Mozambique which is named Makonde Plateau. This virus was secluded from the serum of a febrile patient from Makonde Plateau. The word chikungunya is originated from a Makonde word which mean “that which bends up”. In Swahili language of Africa, the word “chikungunya” means “the illness of the bended walker”. The chikungunya virus has been observed to circulate in a sylvatic cycle between forest-dwelling mosquitoes and nonhuman primates. Treatment of chikungunya is unknown till now.
However, since 2007, outbreaks of chikungunya have occurred in Italy, France, Croatia, and the Caribbean islands. At present, chikungunya fever has been identified in nearly 60 countries, and currently found in Bangladesh in 2017. In 2008, this viral disease was listed as a US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) category C priority pathogen. There is no specific treatment of chikungunya invented as of today. Even though there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment found, the Medication focuses on relieving the symptoms rather than the cause.
Key facts about Chikungunya fever
- The most common symptoms are similar to that of dengue fever
- Fever may range from 103-104 degree Celsius
- Symptoms of the disease usually start 3–5 days after the person is bitten by a chikungunya virus infected mosquito
- Joint pain, muscle pain, headache and rash in the outer surface of the skin. In some cases, the joint pain may continue for months
- Most persons feel better within a week but joint pain may continue for months
- Once a person is infected with this viral fever, he or she is likely to be safe from future attack.
Diagnosis of chikungunya disease
- The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue and Zika virus as the disease is spread by the same or similar mosquitoes.
- Make a test of your blood if you get the symptoms mentioned above by consulting your physician
Treatment of Chikungunya
- There is no vaccine invented to prevent or treat chikungunya virus. But you can take the following
- Get your required rest everyday
- Drink lots of liquid to prevent dehydration
- Take medicine (paracetamol) with consulting your doctor
- An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people
- Wearing clothes that cover the whole body to stay out of mosquitoes
- Take extra care staying in-door during early morning and late afternoon
- Using products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Sleeping under a mosquito net and using mosquito repellant
- Using mosquito coils, repellant and insecticide vaporizers
