Chikungunya

Chikungunya (also called as Chicken Guinea) is a form of viral fever caused by an alphavirus that is spread by mosquito bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito, though recent research by the Pasteur Institute in Paris claims the virus has suffered a mutation that enables it to be transmitted by Aedes Albopictus (Tiger mosquito). This was the cause of the actual plague in the Indian Ocean and a threat to the mediterranean coast at present.

The name is derived from the Makonde word meaning “that which bends up” in reference to the stooped posture developed as a result of the arthritic symptoms of the disease.

Chikungunya – CAUSE

Alphavirus that is spread by mosquito bites from the Aedes aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquitos.

CHARACTERISTICS: Togaviridae (formerly group A arboviruses), genus Alphavirus; spherical, enveloped virions 60 nm in diameter, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome

PATHOGENICITY: Self limiting febrile viral disease; characterized by arthralgia or arthritis typically in the knee, ankle and small joints of the extremities, high fever, followed by a maculopapular rash; buccal and palatal enanthema can occur; nausea and vomiting may occur; mild hemorrhaging may be present especially in children; inapperent infections are common, immunity is long lasting

EPIDEMIOLOGY: Found in Africa, India, south east Asia and the Philippines

HOST RANGE: Humans, primates, other mammals, birds
Chikungunya – SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The primary symptoms of Chikungunya include -

• Fever which can reach 39°C, (102.2 °F)
• A petechial or maculopapular rash usually involving the limbs and trunk
• Arthralgia (bodyache) or arthritis affecting multiple joints which can be debilitating. The joint pains can be severe and even crippling.

There can also be headache, conjunctival infection and slight photophobia. Fever typically lasts for two days and abruptly comes down, however joint pain, intense headache, insomnia and an extreme degree of prostration lasts for a variable period, usually for about 5 to 7 days.

Dermatological manifestations observed in a recent outbreak of Chikungunya fever in Southern India includes the following:

• Maculopapular rash
• Nasal blotchy erythema
• Freckle-like pigmentation over centro-facial area
• Flagellate pigmentation on face and extremities
• Lichenoid eruption and hyperpigmentation in photodistributed areas
• Multiple aphthous-like ulcers over scrotum, crural areas and axilla.
• Lympoedema in acral distribution (bilateral /unilateral)
• Multiple ecchymotic spots (Children)
• Vesiculobullous lesions (infants)
• Subungual hemorrhage

Chikungunya – HOW DIAGNOSIS IS DONE?

• Detection of antigens or antibody to the agent in the blood (serology)
• ELISA is available
• An IgM capture ELISA is necessary to distinguish the disease from dengue fever.

Chikungunya – HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathy offers many medicines which may help in Chikungunya. These include medicines like Eupatorium-perf, Pyroginum, Rhus-tox, Cedron, Influenzinum, China, Arnica, Belladona, Bryonia etc. Many homeopaths consider Eupatorium perf. as a preventive medicine for Chikungunya. The most commonly suggested potency as prophylaxis is 200C of Eupatorium perf. Eupatorium Perfoliatum Q (tincture, 3 to 5 drop dose)will remove the debilitating joint pains and cut short the intensity and duration of the disease. Other potencies may be used according to the intensity of the case.
Chikungunya – CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

No vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya fever is available. Treatment is symptomatic–rest, fluids, and ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol may relieve symptoms of fever and aching. Aspirin should be avoided

Infected persons should be protected from further mosquito exposure (staying indoors and/or under a mosquito net during the first few days of illness) so that they can’t contribute to the transmission cycle.

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