Chikungunya: A Familiar Name with Hidden Challenges

Imagine waking up one morning with a high fever and joint pain so severe that even simple movements feel impossible. At first, you may dismiss it as just another case of flu, but could it be something more serious?  Chikungunya, a disease spread by mosquito bites, is becoming increasingly common. The problem is, its symptoms closely resemble those of other illnesses like the flu, causing delays in diagnosis. Even more confusing, its symptoms overlap with infections such as dengue and Zika. In cases without significant joint pain, chikungunya might seem mild and go unnoticed.

What Causes Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a viral illness triggered by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which spreads to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, predominantly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes, known for biting during the day, make controlling the disease more challenging.

Pathogenesis: How It Affects the Body

Once the virus enters the human body, it targets and replicates within the fibroblasts of the skin, spreading to the bloodstream and infecting the liver, joints, and muscle tissues. The immune system’s response to the viral replication is what causes the debilitating symptoms commonly associated with chikungunya.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While chikungunya can affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable, including:

• Young children and infants.
• Pregnant women.
• Elderly individuals, especially those with conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
• People with weakened immune systems.
• Patients at the extremes of the age spectrum, including newborns infected during delivery and older adults with pre-existing medical conditions, face a heightened risk of severe illness. In some cases, infection can increase the risk of death.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of chikungunya typically begin 4-8 days after a mosquito bite and include:

• Sudden onset of fever.
• Severe joint pain or stiffness, often in the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles.
• Muscle pain and headache.
• Fatigue and rash.

Unlike the regular flu, joint pain in chikungunya can persist for weeks, months, or even years, severely impacting quality of life.

Side Effects and Complications

Though chikungunya is rarely fatal, it can lead to significant complications such as:

• Chronic arthritis.

• Neurological issues like encephalitis.
• Heart problems in severe cases.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Timely diagnosis is key to managing chikungunya effectively. Laboratory tests, including RT-PCR and serological tests, help confirm the presence of the virus. Since chikungunya is a viral illness, antibiotics are ineffective. Treatment focuses on symptom management:

• Rest and hydration to help the body recover.
• Pain relievers and fever reducers, like paracetamol, to alleviate discomfort.

Avoid taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) until dengue is ruled out, as they can increase the chance of bleeding.

Prevention remains the best defence

• Use mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing.
• Clear stagnant water around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
• Install window screens or use mosquito nets for added protection.

Conclusion

Chikungunya may be a familiar term, but its impact can be severe if left undiagnosed or untreated. By understanding its cause, recognizing its symptoms, and taking preventive measures, we can mitigate its effects and safeguard our communities. Remember, timely action can make all the difference—because health is not just about treating illness, but about preventing it.

Reference

1. Wimalasiri-Yapa BMCR, Stassen L, Huang X, et al. Chikungunya virus in Asia – Pacific: a systematic review. Emerg Microbes Infect. 2019;8(1):70-79.
2. Russo G., et al., Chikungunya fever in Africa: a systematic review. Pathog Glob Health. 2020;114(3):136-144.
3. Auerswald H, Boussioux C, In S, et al. Broad and long-lasting immune protection against various Chikungunya genotypes demonstrated by participants in a cross-sectional study in a Cambodian rural community. Emerg Microbes Infect. 2018;7(1):13.
4. Chikungunya, 2022, World Health Organization