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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

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 misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common.

Chikungunya can be detected using serological tests. Recovery from an infection will confer life-long immunity.




Effective treatment for Chikungunya fever is available in homeopathy.

Homeopathy has very effective treatment for Chikungunya. After diagnosis of Chikungunya, homeopathic treatment should be started as early as possible. Homeopathic treatment can also be given along with conventional treatment (allopathy) if desired. Conventional treatment consists of only symptomatic treatment of fever, stiffness, joint pain etc. of this viral illness, whereas homeopathic medicines give better and comparatively long lasting relief from the disease. Rhus Tox, Eupatorium Perf, Bryonia, Arnica are the few homeopathic remedies that help in Chikungunya but more accurate and effective remedy can be chosen by a homeopathic doctor according to clinical picture of that particular case. Homeopathy works effectively in all viral diseases. Homeopathic pills are simply chewed (dissolved) on tongue and are sweet in taste. Homeopathic medicines do not cause gastric irritation, are safe on kidneys and liver even when taken for long duration.

In epidemics, prevention of Chikungunya can be achieved by administering Homeopathic "Genus Epidemicus". Genus Epidemicus is a homeopathic remedy that is chosen as a preventive remedy for that particular epidemic in that particular locality. Homeopathic medicines are equally effective for post-chikungunya complaints like weakness, stiffness in joints, muscles pain etc. 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.


Prevention of Chikungunya

The best way to avoid CHIKV infection is to prevent mosquito bites. In addition we strongly recommend to have "Homeopathic Genus Epidemicus" for double protection.

Prevention tips:

• Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin.

• Wear long sleeves shirts and pants.

• Have secure screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.

• Additionally, a person with chikungunya fever should limit their exposure to mosquito bites in order to avoid further spreading the infection. The person should stay indoors or under a mosquito net.

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