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Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease. It is spread by
infected mosquitoes, Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus. The virus is
transmitted if an infected mosquito feeds from an infected person, and
may be spread further not just to human but to other animals as well.

Chikungunya virus was first diagnosed during an outbreak in 1952 at
Tanzania. The virus occurs much in Africa,  Asia and Indian continent
and has already spread in Americas and Europe. The first outbreak in
Europe was recorded in 2007.

The two mosquito species that transmit Chikungunya fever and other
mosquito-borne diseases. Aedes Aegypti, lives within the tropics and
sub-tropics. Breeds in indoor breeding sites like water containers,
water tanks and flower vases. It breeds outdoor in sites like, rock
pools, tree holes, coconut husks and vehicle tires. Aedes Albopictus
lives in temperate and temperate-cold regions. It has established in
America, Europe as well as Africa. It can breed in a wide range of
water-filled containers and places. It can thrive in rural and
peri-urban areas.

Important Things About Chikungunya:

Transmission. Chikungunya is transmitted by the bites of infected
mosquitoes, Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus. These mosquitoes are
daytime biters but they are most active in the early morning and late
afternoon.

After the bite from an infected mosquito, the illness usually happens
between 3-8 days but may range from 2-12 days.

Symptoms. The symptoms are sometimes mild so the infection is
unrecognized. Symptoms include fever and persistent headache, nausea
and vomiting, fatigue, muscle pains and joint pains, and rash. Some
patients suffer prolonged fatigue for several weeks and joint pains
that can last for weeks or months.

Diagnosis. Chikungunya can be diagnosed through several serological
test such as: ELISA or enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assays; RT-PCR or
reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

Treatment. The infection itself has no cure making the treatment
symptomatic. The treatment is primarily for relieving the symptoms.
Chikungunya vaccine or anti-viral treatment is not available yet.

Prevention. Proximity to mosquitoes should be given importance. It's
best to take precautions to avoid the bites of an infected mosquito.
And we can do this by applying insect repellent lotion as often as
possible. You may also check insect repellents for clothing. Make sure
to use those products which contain DEET and Icaridin. Mosquito coils
can reduce indoor biting as well.

Control. The major control should be reducing the number of breeding
sites. These are places or containers that may fill in standing water
such as bottles, buckets, and pots. Make sure they are emptied if not
in use. And water must be changed at least twice a week for things
like flower vases and other home decors that are filled with water,
pet dishes and bird baths. Tire swings must be drained as well.

During outreaks. Insecticides that can kill mosquitoes can be sprayed
and applied to containers where mosquitoes usually breed. They are
used to treat the water and eventually kill immature larvae.

Protection during outbreaks. Use mosquito repellent lotion frequently
on the exposed skin. Better wear long sleeves shirts and pants
especially when going outdoors. For people who sleep during the day,
like children and older people may use insecticide mosquito net.
Mosquito coils can be used.

Chikungunya fever is sometimes misdiagnosed as dengue fever,
especially when dengue fever occurs in the same area, and because they
both have fever and skin rash symptoms. But chikungunya affects mostly
adults and is less deadly. Unlike dengue which affects children and
may result to death.