We¡¯ve Already Witnessed 17,311 Cases Of Chikungunya This Year, Here¡¯s What Else You Should Know

What¡¯s similar between dengue, chikungunya and the zika virus? They¡¯re all mosquito-borne diseases and are deadly dangerous, especially during this time of year. The onset of the monsoon brings with it more breeding sites that can make you far more prone to contracting these diseases.

And since they coincide with each other misdiagnosing one for the other in areas where these diseases are spreading in conjunction with each other is quite a common phenomenon.

Nevertheless, as many as 8,644 cases of chikungunya have been reported in Karnataka as on July 31 this year, the highest in the country. The second on the list¡ªMaharashtra, with 2,524 cases¡ªhas less than a third of the state¡¯s count.

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According to data submitted in Parliament on August 10 by the Union health ministry, Karnataka contributes 50% of the total 17,311 chikungunya cases in India.

Senior physician Dr Vijay D¡¯Silva and the president of Association of Hospitals, Dr PM Bhujang helps us understand everything we need to know about Chikungunya.

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease

Chikungunya is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes that causes the sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain. Chikungunya are caused by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, two species that are playing havoc in the country. It is transmitted from one person to another with the bite of the female species of the mosquito.

These mosquitoes are known to typically bite during the daylight hours. During the daylight hours, the risk of getting bitten is the highest at two points of time, early morning and late afternoon. Though typically these mosquitoes are known to bite outdoors, aedes aegypti can also bite indoors.

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The most common symptoms include¡­

After being infected with the Chikungunya virus, there are some distinct symptoms that are manifested. These happen around three to seven days after being bitten by the infected mosquito.

Many times, symptoms in the patients of chikungunya go unrecognized. Also, they are quite often misdiagnosed especially in areas where other mosquito-related diseases, like dengue, are prevalent. However, the most common signs and symptoms of chikungunya include the following:

- Flu- chills, fever, headache and aching joints - Joint pain can particularly occur in hands, wrist, ankles and feet, which can last from weeks to months and can even continue for a year.

- Nausea

- Fatigue

- Rashes

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The common ones include fever and joint pain or arthralgia and also, headache, nausea, fatigue, muscle pain, joint swelling and rash. These symptoms can be severe and disabling.

Most patients of Chikungunya recover fully, but in some cases, joint pain may persist for several months. Occasionally, eye, neurological, gastrointestinal and heart complications have been reported. Serious complications are not common, but in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death.

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How do you treat and prevent it

Since there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat the Chikungunya virus, the only way is to treat the symptoms. Treatment is directed at relieving joint pain using antipyretics, optimal analgesics and fluids. Here are a few points that could help...

- Keep away from mosquitoes. Use mosquito nets, screens on windows, repellent sprays and creams to avoid mosquito bites.

- Eliminate places where mosquitoes lay eggs like artificial containers that hold water in and around your home. Keep the surroundings clear of stagnant water or pools where mosquitoes can breed.

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- Have a balanced diet and nutritious food to increase immunity and improve health.

- Take lots of fluids. Maintaining hydration is the key to quick recovery. Ensure salt intake stays steady.

- If high fever continues for over 24 hours, see a doctor. Avoid taking anti-fever medication without consulting a doctor.

- Do not take Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Here¡¯s some fact about Chikungunya you need to be aware of:

- There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat the Chikungunya virus.

- The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common.

- Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.

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- Chikungunya symptoms are similar to dengue and Zika. These diseases are spread by the same mosquitoes. So can, in fact, get infected by all three at the same time.

- During the first week of infection, Chikungunya virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to a mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.

- The proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for Chikungunya.