Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral infection characterized by sudden attacks of fever and joint pain. This virus attacks and infects humans with the bite of the Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito, two types of mosquitoes which are also known to cause dengue fever.

Cause of Chikungunya

Chikungunya is caused by a virus carried by the Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes catch the chikungunya virus when they bite someone who is already infected. Transmission of the virus occurs when other people are bitten by mosquitoes that carry the virus beforehand. Remember that the chikungunya virus is not transmitted directly from one person to another.

Chikungunya virus can attack anyone. However, the risk of developing this disease is higher in newborns, people aged 65 years and over and people with other medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
Symptoms of Chikungunya

In some cases, chikungunya does not cause symptoms. However, most people with chikungunya have symptoms such as:

  • Fever up to 39 degrees Celsius
  • Pain in muscles and joints
  • Swollen joints
  • Pain in the bones
  • Headache
  • Rashes appear on the body
  • transmission
  • nausea

The above symptoms usually occur 3 to 7 days after the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus. In general, patients will improve within a week. But in some people, joint pain can last for months. Although not to the point of causing death, severe symptoms of chikungunya can cause temporary paralysis.

Chikungunya diagnosis

Chikungunya symptoms resemble those of dengue and zika viruses. Therefore, it is advisable for someone with the above symptoms to seek immediate medical attention so that proper care can be given.

Tell your doctor if before the onset of symptoms, you go to the endemic area of ​​Chikungunya. This information will help the doctor make a correct diagnosis. Then, to confirm further diagnosis, the doctor will do an ELISA test (an enzyme-related immunosorbent test). ELISA is a serological test to check for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies associated with chikungunya. In general, IgM antibody levels are very high 3 to 5 weeks after the onset of symptoms and can last up to 2 months.
Care for chikungunya

There is no specific medicine for chikungunya because the patient will heal itself. In many cases, the symptoms will disappear within a week. However, joint pain can last for several months.

The doctor will prescribe paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve joint pain and fever. In addition, patients will also be advised to drink a lot and get enough rest.

Please note that do not use aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) until the doctor confirms that the symptoms are not symptoms of dengue fever. That's to prevent bleeding. If you undergo treatment for other conditions, consult your doctor before taking other medicines.
Prevention of chikungunya

Prevention of chikungunya is the same as prevention of other diseases caused by mosquito bites. The main way is to eradicate mosquito nests (NHP) with 3M Plus action. 3M targets include:

  • Close the water storage container tightly.
  • Drain the water tank.
  • Burying used objects that may contain water.

Whereas (extra) actions that can be taken to help 3M, namely:

  • Sprinkle the powder in a water tank.
  • Install anti-mosquito wire in the house ventilation.
  • Use mosquito nets when you sleep.
  • Plant mosquito repellent.
  • Stop the habit of hanging clothes.
In addition to the steps above, you can take additional precautions, especially if you want to visit the Chikungunya endemic area, including:

  • Regularly use anti-mosquito lotion containing N, N-diethylmetatolumide (DEET). If you use sunscreen, apply lotion after the screen.
  • Use mosquito coils placed outside the room to repel mosquitoes.
  • Wear long sleeves and long pants all the time.

Chikungunya Complications
In rare cases, chikungunya can cause dangerous complications, such as:

  • Uveitis (inflammation of the part of the eye called uvea)
  • Retinitis (inflammation of the retina of the eye)
  • Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
  • Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)
  • Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
  • Meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain wall)
  • Myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord segment)
  • Guillain-BarrĂ© syndrome (nervous system disorders that can cause paralysis)

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