Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an insect-borne virus that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes. CHIKV causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever. CHIKV manifests itself with an acute febrile phase of the illness lasts only two to five days, followed by a prolonged arthralgia disease that affects the joints of the extremities. The pain associated with CHIKV infection of the joints persists for weeks or months.
Signs and symptoms
The incubation period of Chikungunya disease is from two to four days. Symptoms of the disease include a fever up to 40 C (104 F), a petechial or maculopapular rash of the trunk and occasionally the limbs, and arthralgia or arthritis affecting multiple joints. Other nonspecific symptoms can include headache, insomnia and an extreme degree of prostration last for a variable period; usually for about 5 to 7 days. Patients have complained of joint pains for much longer time periods depending on their age.
Diagnosis
Common laboratory tests for Chikungunya include RT-PCR, virus isolation, and serological tests.
Prevention
The most effective means of prevention are protection against contact with the disease-carrying mosquitoes and mosquito control. Wearing bite-proof long sleeves and trousers (pants) also offers protection. In addition, garments can be treated with pyrethroids, a class of insecticides that often has repellent properties. Vaporized pyrethroids (for example in mosquito coils) are also insect repellents. Securing screens on windows and doors will help to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
Treatment
There are no specific treatments for Chikungunya. There is no vaccine currently available. Chloroquine is gaining ground as a possible treatment for the symptoms associated with Chikungunya, and as an anti-inflammatory agent to combat the arthritis associated with Chikungunya virus.
Prognosis
Recovery from the disease varies by age. Younger patients recover within 5 to 15 days; middle-aged patients recover in 1 to 2.5 months. Recovery is longer for the elderly. The severity of the disease as well as its duration is less in younger patients and pregnant women. In pregnant women, no untoward effects are noticed after the infection. Ocular inflammation from Chikungunya may present as iridocyclitis, and have retinal lesions as well. Pedal oedema (swelling of legs) is observed in many patients, the cause of which remains observed in many patients, the cause of which remains obscure as it is not related to any cardiovascular, renal or hepatic abnormalities.