Chikungunya virus classification
Group: Group IV ((+)ssRNA)
Order: Unassigned
Family: Togaviridae
Genus: Alphavirus
Species: Chikungunya virus
What is Chikungunya and its cause:-Chikungunya is an infection caused by the chikungunya virus. Symptoms include the sudden onset of fever two to four days after exposure. The fever usually lasts two to seven days, while accompanying joint pains typically last weeks or months but sometimes years. The virus is passed to humans by two species of mosquito of the genus Aedes: A. albopictus and A. aegypti. The virus circulates within a number of animals including monkeys, birds, cattle, and rodents. This is in contrast to dengue, for which primates are the only ones affected. The risk of death is a little less than 1 in 1,000; the elderly or those with underlying chronic medical problems are most likely to have severe complications. Chikungunya virus, also referred to as CHIKV, is a member of the alphavirus genus, and Togaviridae family. It is a member of the Semliki Forest virus complex and is closely related to Ross River virus, O'nyong'nyong virus, and Semliki Forest virus.
Signs and symptoms of chikungunya :- 1. to 9.
1. Chikungunya disease does not often result in death, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling.
2. Most patients feel better within a week. In some people, the joint pain may persist for months.
3. Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.
4. People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (≥65 years), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
5. Period of the chikungunya virus varies from 1 to 12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, and is most typically 3 to 7. The disease may be asymptomatic, but generally is not, as 72% to 97% of those infected will develop symptoms.
6. Symptoms are rash, conjunctivitis, sudden onset with high fever, headache, digestive complaints, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling.
7. Symptoms include joint pain, it mostly occurs in peripheral joints, such as the wrists, ankles, and joints of the hands and feet as well as some of the larger joints, typically the shoulders, elbows and knees. Pain may also occur in the muscles or ligaments.
8. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain.
9. Transmission of Chikungunya is spread through bites from Aedes mosquitoes, transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or at birth. Transmission via infected blood products and through organ donation is also theoretically possible during times of outbreak.
Diagnose of Chikungunya:-10. to 14.
10. Chikungunya is diagnosed on the basis of epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory criteria. Epidemiological criteria consist of whether the individual has traveled to or spent time in an area in which chikungunya is present within the last twelve days. Clinically, high fever and severe joint pain would lead to suspicion of chikungunya. Laboratory criteria include a decreased lymphocyte count consistent with viremia.
11. If you have recently traveled, tell your doctor when and where you traveled. Dr may be order blood tests to look for chikungunya or other similar viruses like dengue and Zika.
12. See your healthcare provider if you develop the symptoms described above and have visited an area where chikungunya is found.
13. The differential diagnosis may include infection with other mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue or malaria, and infection with influenza.
14. The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue and Zika, diseases spread by the same mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya.
Treatment of Chikungunya:-15. to 21.
15. Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding).
16. Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
17. Get plenty n plenty of rest.
18. If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, consult with your doctor before taking additional medication.
19. Presently, there is no specific way to test for chronic signs and symptoms associated with Chikungunya fever although nonspecific laboratory findings such as C reactive protein and elevated cytokines can correlate with disease activity.
20. Take medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or paracetamol to reduce fever and pain.
21. The best means of prevention is overall mosquito control and the avoidance of bites by mosquitoes in areas where the disease is common. This may be partly achieved with the use of mosquito nets. No specific treatment is known, but supportive care is recommended, Do medications to reduce fever and joint pain. Since 2004, the disease has occurred in outbreaks in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Alternative medical systems such as Ayurveda and homeopathy has specific treatments for Chikungunya. Many of these treatments are helpful in reducing the symptoms especially the joint pain.
Ayurveda treatment of Chikungunya:- 22. to 25. (CONSULT WITH THE DOCTOR FOR ITS DOSES AND QUANTITY)
22. Ayurveda treatment of Chikungunya uses herbal drugs.
23. Since there is no medicine for Chikungunya in Allopathy, people increasingly turning to traditional Indian medicines Aayurveda).
24. Some of the kashayams (concoctions) prescribed are Amrutharista, Mahasudarshana Churna, panchathiktha kashayam, Sudarshan Churnam, Dhanvantaram Gutika and Amruthotharam Kashayam.
25. Ancient ayurveda describes a similar condition called Sandhijwara which is similar to Chikungunya in its symptoms (joint pain). Hence some of the medicines can sooth joint pain.
Homeopathic treatment of Chikungunya:- 26. to 29. (CONSULT WITH THE DOCTOR FOR ITS DOSES AND QUANTITY)
26. According to homeopathic experts effective drugs are available to prevent as well as to speed up recovery from Chikungunya.
27. In some of the south indian cities this type of treatment is tried out.
28. It is claimed that the medicine Eupatorium perf can prevent Chikungunya infection.
29. Other medicines prescribed for the disease include Pyroginum, Rhus-tox, Cedron, Influenzinum, China and Arnica.
Prevention from Chikungunya:- 30. to 50.
30. Another technique is to collect water in a container and once mosquito lay eggs in it destroy them. This technique can be quite effective if multiple people apply it at their area.
31. As infected mosquito often feed and rest inside homes, covering with net, windows and doors will help to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
32. Currently, no specific treatment for chikungunya is available. Supportive care is only recommended. We can follow few things to avoid Chikungunya.
33. Drain all the water collected around your house (for example in a pot or water cooler).
34. Ensure that drainage etc. are either closed or chemicals are applied which kill mosquito larvae (larvicides).
35. If there is a pond which contains stagnant water, biological method is best. Fish varieties such as guppy can be introduced in the pond which will eat all the mosquito larvae.
36. Many contacts between the mosquitoes and humans occur outdoors, so we should avoid to go outside if possible.
37. Mosquito control includes eliminating the stale water where mosquito lay eggs and develop as larva; if elimination of the stale water is not possible, insecticides or biological control agents can be added.
38. Mosquito population control and bite prevention will be necessary to control chikungunya disease
39. Note that most infection happens occur outside the house and hence mosquito control is the most effective way to prevent Chikungunya outbreak. It is also important that patients with infection don't get bitten by mosquito.
40. Protection against contact with mosquito include using insect repellents with substances such as DEET, icaridin, PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol, a substance derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree), or IR3535. However, increasing insecticide resistance presents a challenge to chemical control methods.
41. Reduce the mosquite bite is to take steps to reduce its breeding. This needs to be a community effort since only one individual alone cannot achieve much.
42. Reducing mosquito breeding / Reducing the risk of mosquito bite
43. Use curtains or window nets which prevent entry of mosquito to the house.
44. Use mosquito coils or repellents(which contains Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or DEET). But you should be aware that prolonged use of these are not recommended. Also ensure adequate ventilation when these are used.
45. Use mosquito net when sleeping during daytime.
46. Use of cream or spray that can be applied on skin. This masks body odor and effectively you are invisible from mosquito. Very handy if you are visiting an area where Chikungunya is reported.
47. We should protect against contact with the disease-carrying mosquitoes and controlling mosquito populations by limiting their growth.
48. Wear dress which covers most of the body. Also there are repellents available which can be applied on dress materials.
49. Wearing bite-proof long sleeves and trousers also offers protection.
50. Prevention is the key for safety and better life
Wishing for Your Safe, Happy and Speedy Recovery.
Also
Wish You are Very Far From Any Kind of Diseases
