Chikungunya Virus
Why in News?
China’s Ministry of Health has launched an emergency public health campaign to address a rising risk of Chikungunya fever, especially in southern regions vulnerable to mosquito-borne illnesses.
What is Chikungunya?
| Aspect | Details |
| Causative Agent | Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an RNA virus of the genus Alphavirus |
| First Identified | 1952, during an outbreak in Tanzania |
| Etymology | From Makonde (Africa) meaning “that which bends up” (due to joint pain) |
| Geographic Spread | Over 110 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Americas |
Transmission
- Spread by bites of infected female mosquitoes:
- 🦟 Aedes aegypti
- 🦟 Aedes albopictus
- These are daytime-biting mosquitoes, also known for transmitting:
- Dengue
- Zika
- Yellow Fever
- ❗ Not transmitted directly from person to person
Symptoms and Impact
| Common Symptoms | Others |
| Sudden high fever | Rash |
| Severe joint pain (hallmark) | Muscle ache, fatigue, headache |
| May last weeks to months | Nausea, mild hemorrhage (rare) |
| Rarely fatal but debilitating | Long-term arthritis-like effects |
- Higher risk of complications in:
- Infants under 1 year
- Elderly
- People with co-morbidities
Treatment and Prevention
- No vaccine or specific antiviral exists
- Treatment is symptomatic:
- Rest
- Fluids
- Paracetamol (avoid aspirin to prevent bleeding)
- Prevention:
- Mosquito control (source reduction)
- Personal protection (nets, repellents)
- Community sanitation
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