Chikungunya

Overview

Chikungunya virus infection is a disease that spreads to people after they get bitten by infected mosquitoes. An RNA virus from the alphaviruses group is transferred to the vector mosquito. This mosquito then contaminates a healthy individual's blood by feeding on a part of their body.

The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) upon infecting a healthy individual causes symptoms like joint pain, fever, rash, nausea, fatigue, etc. However, most people heal within a week or so, becoming immune in the process. Outbreaks mainly have taken over regions of Asia, Africa, America, and Indian Ocean/Pacific Ocean-based islands.

While there is no specific cure for the chikungunya virus infection, death from it is a rare occurrence - mainly being caused by other underlying health issues.

What is Chikungunya Virus Infection?

Chikungunya virus infection is essentially a viral, mosquito-borne disease. Outbreaks since 2004 have become much more widespread with the virus being easily spread by the Aedes albopictus mosquito species. Regions with the presence of Aedes aegypti have also been battlefields of outbreaks. These mosquitoes usually bite people during the daytime and lay eggs in stagnant water containers.

The transmission cycle can also be furthered if either of the mosquito species feeds on a CHIKV-infected person. While Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus feed on their victims outdoors, the former may also bite them within an indoor setting.

Symptoms of Chikungunya Virus Infection

Symptoms of chikungunya may differ from one person to another, being super noticeable in some and mildly showing up in others. Plus, they might show up as early as 2 days after the mosquito bite, or even over 12 days later.

Some common chikungunya virus infection symptoms include severe joint pains and high fever (typically>102°F) characterised by occasional chills. Swelling in joints from crippling pain, muscle pain and headaches are also common.

A maculopapular or erythematous macular rash may appear on the face, limbs and other areas of the body. Fatigue and tiredness are the usual companions during a chikungunya fever. Finally, bouts of nausea may be felt by the infected individual; vomiting can be expected.

Causes of Chikungunya Virus Infection

The main cause of a chikungunya virus infection is the genus Alphavirus, categorised under the family of Togaviridae. It’s found in various parts of our world and is spread to humans via mosquito bites. The blood of an infected person then contains high concentrations of the virus, becoming a source of chikungunya transmission to other mosquitoes, the latter then infecting others – keeping the cycle moving.

Due to the contaminated blood containing high levels of the CHIKV virus, the infection can be passed on via blood transfusion, drawing of blood from an infected individual’s body, and handling of it in labs.

Rare, but there are chances of the CHIKV virus being spread from the pregnant mother to the unborn baby, especially in the 2nd trimester. Intrapartum transmission refers to the transmission of the CHIKV virus from an infected new mother to their just-born baby. Note that this infection cannot be spread from one human being to another.

Risk Factors of Chikungunya Virus Infection

While death from chikungunya virus is rare, some risk factors are associated with the disease. For example, older people are likely to feel the effects of this infection more than the rest due to low immunity levels. Others with high blood pressure or diabetes run the risk of getting the infection.

The condition can get severe in people who have issues with their kidneys or heart, harbour chest infections, etc. Risk factors even extend to younger children with lower immunity power and pregnant women who may be infected with the virus at the time of delivery, running the risk of spreading the virus to their babies.

Diagnosis of Chikungunya Virus Infection

If detected in an individual, the nation is usually notified about the chikungunya virus circulating. So, healthcare professionals usually consider this factor. Some tests that may help diagnose the condition include serum tests. The Chikungunya viral RNA strain is usually identified through a serum test. Viral culture may also be conducted, if necessary, including viral immunoglobulin (Ig) M and viral nucleic acid. A lot of clinical emphasis is also laid on neutralising antibodies, to draw vaccine-induced responses.

Treatment of Chikungunya Virus Infection

Currently, there is no chikungunya treatment. No specific antiviral is known to serve as the isolated cure for this viral infection. However, research continues and certain therapeutic options are being explored. For now, an ample amount of rest is prescribed to the affected person. Other than that, a diet mainly consisting of fluids shall help revive their healthy condition. Some over-the-counter painkillers can help with muscle pains and headaches, like paracetamol and acetaminophen. Other commonly used drugs include antipyretics, analgesics and nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines.

Preventive Measures for Chikungunya Virus Infection

Preventative measures for chikungunya mainly include ways to protect oneself from mosquito bites. Thus, wearing insect-repellent creams, long-sleeved clothes and full-coverage trousers can help, especially so, if the disease has been circulating in the concerned area. Treating clothes with 0.5% permethrin may also shoo any mosquitoes away. Mosquito nets hung up at night, while sleeping, can keep insects from closing in on people. Plus, keeping the windows closed and opting for air-conditioned spaces is a foolproof safety measure.

Myths and Facts Related to Chikungunya Virus Infection

Check out some popularly believed myths associated with chikungunya and the relevant facts which are the correct alternatives:

Myth 1: Chikungunya Virus Infection is Contagious Among Humans
Fact: The chikungunya virus infection is not spread from one human to another. Instead, it can be spread via mosquito bites. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the vector mosquitoes that continue the transmission cycle.

Myth 2: Only Old People can get the Chikungunya Infection
Fact: While old people are more at risk of getting the chikungunya infection, experiencing far more severe symptoms, it is not limited to them. Anybody bitten by the CHIKV virus-infected mosquito can get sick from the infection, including younger children, pregnant women, babies, etc.

Myth 3: Chikungunya Virus Infection Can Kill You
Fact: Chikungunya is not fatal, and deaths may only occur in severe cases due to a combined effect of other underlying health conditions. Such cases though, are extremely rare.

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