Know more about Chikungunya

GETTING FEVER WITH BODYPAINS, THINK OF CHIKUNGUNYA

Mosquito borne illnesses are at its peak during this monsoon. This year, there has been an unprecedented increase in cases of Chikungunya.

Chikungunya is a disease caused by a virus that spreads through bite of an infected female Aedes species mosquito. This same species is a carrier of dengue infection as well. Also, there is much overlapping in symptomatic manifestations of both these infections.

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SYMPTOMS OF CHIKUNGUNYA

Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain.Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.

Once chikungunya is confirmed, doing some things would accelerate management and recovery of a person. It includes:

1. Taking medicine such as paracetamol to reduce fever and pain
2. Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding)
3. Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration
4. Get plenty of rest

PREVENTION OF CHIKUNGUNYA

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE and holds true for this disease as well. It can be very well prevented if the source of infection and breeding of carrier is controlled. It can be achieved by:

1. Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
2. Help reduce the number of mosquitoes outside your home by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets.
3. Try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
4. Use insect repellents
5. Always follow the label instructions when using insect repellent or sunscreen.