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.
