Chikungunya is a disease caused by a virus that is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito.The two groups of mosquitoes that spread the virus are aedes aegypti and albopictus.In the last few years, there have been cases of the disease in the Western Hemisphere.The joint pain caused by the virus is moderate to severe and lasts for three to seven days.The only way to prevent chikungunya is to avoid mosquito bites.The virus is usually harmless.
Step 1: Look for a high temperature.
One of the first symptoms is a high temperature.The temperature can range from 102 to 104 degrees F.The fever lasts between a few days and a week, and usually goes away before the 10th day.
Step 2: Joint pain can be identified.
It can be disabling and severe.It mostly affects the hands and feet.Joint pain is less common in the lower limbs and back.Joint pain can last weeks or even a year in some cases.In the Makonde dialect of Tanzania, the term "chikungunya" means "that which bends up" and describes the physical appearance of a person with severe clinical features of the disease.In most sufferers the joint pain will last for seven to ten days, however in older patients it may last longer.Joint inflammation is a condition in which some people have swelling of their joints.
Step 3: Look for a rash.
The rash can appear as a flat, red area of skin covered with small bumps.It affects one's body parts.It can be seen on one's palms, soles, and face.
Step 4: Check for other symptoms.
If you have chikungunya, you may experience headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Step 5: If you think you have chikungunya, call your doctor.
If you have a rash, consult your doctor.Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, places you've traveled to recently, and a sample of your blood for viral testing, as chikungunya is difficult to diagnose.The only way to confirm the presence of chikungunya is through laboratory testing.Blood testing for the virus is done by the CDC and a few state health departments.It takes around 4-7 days to process the tests.Your body has begun attacking the chikungunya virus.
Step 6: The symptoms of the virus can be treated.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to alleviate the symptoms of chikungunya, however there are no drugs designed to treat the disease.Your doctor will tell you to get plenty of bed rest and to drink a lot of fluids to fight dehydration.If you have a joint ache, you can use naproxen or ibuprofen.Children and teenagers are at increased risk of Reye's syndrome if they take aspirin.
Step 7: Avoid mosquito bites to prevent chikungunya.
There is no vaccine for the disease.The only way to prevent the virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, especially when traveling in areas where the disease is prevalent, such as Africa, Asia, and parts of the Indian subcontinent.If you have a serious medical problem, such as being pregnant or having other serious problems, try to avoid going to places with an outbreak.When traveling in high-risk areas, wear long sleeves and pants.Permethrin can be used to repel mosquitoes.DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and paramenthane-diol are the most effective and last the longest when used on exposed skin.Make sure your living accommodations have insect screens on their windows and doors.Young children and elderly people can be protected if they sleep under a bed net at night.