Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The virus mainly affects tropical and subtropical regions. There’s no specific treatment, so prevention focuses on mosquito control and protection.
Mumbai is now in the midst of a spike of Chikungunya cases. I have treated 3 times more cases of chikungunya this year than the previous year. What we have also seen is more marked dermatitis/ rash in the current season
The name chikungunya is derived from an African language and means "stooped walk" because of the incapacitating joint pains that are caused by the disease.
Chikungunya virus is transmitted to people primarily via mosquito bites. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people via biting.
There is an incubation period of 3 to 7 days followed by fever and malaise. Joint pains begin two to five days after onset of fever and commonly involve multiple joints on both sides of the body and involve distal joints more than proximal joints. The most common skin manifestation is a rash usually appearing 3 days or later after onset of illness and lasts upto7 days.
Treatment is supportive care and early rehabilitation. Pain control, anti-inflammatory medications may be needed for the prolonged arthritis.
Let us gear up to prevent the illness with effective insect control and insect repellent use.
(Author: Dr. Preeti Chhabria, Director- Internal Medicine, Sir HN Reliance Hospital, Mumbai)
