Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It is characterized by fever, headache, rash, and severe joint and muscle pain. The name Chikungunya which Means: that which bends up”, is derived from the Kimakonde language of the Makonde people. This African tribute lives on the eastern border between Mozambique and Tanzania. Where Chikungunya virus was first detected in an epidemic that occurred in 1952-53, the disease was given its name because severe musculoskeletal pain caused affected persons to walk in a stooped posture.

Causes of Chikungunya

Chikungunya is transmitted through mosquitoes. The virus which is responsible for Chikungunya is known as Alphavirus, which is carried by the Ades Aegypti mosquito that breeds in stagnant water.

Symptoms of Chikungunya

·         Joints pain

·         Fever, up to 104° which lasts for three to five days

·         Headache

·         Swelling in joints

·         Chills

·         Nausea

·         Muscle pain

·         Vomiting

·         Redness of eyes or conjunctivitis

·         Photophobia

·         Weakness

·         Fatigue

·         Hemorrhage

·         Rashes on skin

Diagnosis of Chikungunya -

ELISA – to detect antichikungunya immunoglobin IgM, and IgG antibodies

Isolation of virus – virus isolation test gives the most accurate results for Chikungunya.

Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) – to detect RNA in acute phase of infection from serum of patient

Homeopathic treatment of Chikungunya – Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat Chikungunya but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat Chikungunya that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints.  For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. There are following remedies which are helpful in the treatment of Chikungunya:

Eupatorium Perf., Rhus Tox, Arnica, China, Bryonia, Belladonna, Pyrogenum, Cedron, Influenzinum, Sulphur, Colchicum, Lycopodium, Ledum Pal, Ruta and many other medicines.