Chikungunya overview: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 17:05, 6 June 2014
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Chikungunya Microchapters |
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Chikungunya overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Chikungunya overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alejandro Lemor, M.D. [2]
Overview
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus, of the genus Alphavirus, that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes.[1]
CHIKV is transmitted similarly to dengue fever and causes an illness with an acute febrile phase lasting two to five days, followed by a longer period of joint pains in the extremities; this pain may persist for years in some cases.[2][3] The best means of prevention is overall mosquito control and in addition, the avoidance of bites by any infected mosquitoes. There is no specific treatment currently available but medications can be used to reduce symptoms.
Historical Perspective
The name chikungunya is derived from the Makonde word meaning "that which bends up" in reference to the stooped posture developed as a result of the arthritic symptoms of the disease. The disease was first described by Marion Robinson in 1955, following an outbreak on the Makonde Plateau, along the border between Tanganyika and Mozambique, in 1952. Chikungunya is closely related to O'nyong'nyong virus.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Chikungunya was first described in Tanzania, Africa in 1952. Chikungunya outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In late 2013, the first local transmission of chikungunya virus in the Americas was identified in Caribbean countries and territories. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with the virus and are spreading it to people.
Diagnosis
Symptoms
The common symptoms of chikungunya include fever, petechial or maculopapular rash and arthralgia or arthritis affecting multiple joints.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
There is no specific antiviral therapy and the treatment is symptomatic. Assess hydration and hemodynamic status and provide supportive care as needed
Prevention
- No vaccine exists to prevent chikungunya virus infection or disease.
- Avoiding mosquito bites is the best way to prevent chikungunya virus infection.
- The mosquitoes that spread the chikungunya virus bite mostly during the daytime.
- The most effective means of prevention are those that protect against any contact with the disease-carrying mosquitoes. These include using insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin, wearing long sleeves and trousers (pants), and securing screens on windows and doors. It's also important to empty stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.ed.
References
- ↑ Lahariya C, Pradhan SK (December 2006). "Emergence of chikungunya virus in Indian subcontinent after 32 years: A review" (PDF). J Vector Borne Dis. 43 (4): 151–60. PMID 17175699.
- ↑ Powers AM, Logue CH (September 2007). "Changing patterns of chikungunya virus: re-emergence of a zoonotic arbovirus". J. Gen. Virol. 88 (Pt 9): 2363–77. doi:10.1099/vir.0.82858-0. PMID 17698645.
- ↑ Sourisseau M, Schilte C, Casartelli N; et al. (June 2007). "Characterization of reemerging chikungunya virus". PLoS Pathog. 3 (6): e89. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.0030089. PMC 1904475. PMID 17604450.