Health News: Chikungunya Virus
Chikungunya Chikungunya is a viral disease (genus Alphavirus ) which is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes – including Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus . The name chikungunya originates from a verb in the Kimakonde language, meaning 'to become contorted'. This refers to the 'stooped' appearance of those suffering with joint pain. Symptoms Symptoms appear between 4 and 7 days after the patient has been bitten by the infected mosquito and these include: High fever (40°C/ 104°F) Joint pain (lower back, ankle, knees, wrists or phalanges) Joint swelling Rash Headache Muscle pain Nausea Fatigue Chikungunya is rarely fatal. Symptoms are generally self-limiting and last for 2–3 days. The virus remains in the human system for 5-7 days and mosquitoes feeding on an infected person during this period can also become infected. Chikungunya shares some clinical signs with dengue and can be misdiagnose...