Symptoms Of Chikungunya And Its Prevention

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Chikungunya is an infection caused due to the instance of the chikungunya virus, which is spread via mosquitoes. The disease can end up causing fever, rashes, debilitating joint pain, etc. It is rarely fatal, however, the absence of adequate medical attention in rare cases can cause severe complications (1).

Mosquitoes responsible for the spread of the chikungunya virus are classified under the Aedes genus and include the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species, both are characterized by their distinct black-and-white striped markings. These mosquitoes are generally urban, as they survive and thrive in the warm climates and artificial breeding grounds, which are a by-product of human civilization (2).

Chikungunya neither has a vaccination nor a treatment (3). Therefore, prevention of the infection, is recommended as the best way to avoid its occurrence.

Chikungunya is rarely an asymptomatic disease and symptoms can be seen in most people, indicating the presence of the infection. Some of the major symptoms of chikungunya are as follows:

In This Article

1. High Fever

High Fever
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One of the most common symptoms of chikungunya is the instance of high fever. A temperature reading above 102 degrees Fahrenheit could signal towards the possibility of chikungunya (4). The fever can stay for about a week and most patients feel better afterwards.

2. Severe Joint Pain

Severe Joint Pain
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A defining characteristic of the chikungunya infection is the joint pain that follows. The joints most affected by the infection are in the hands and feet. The pain is usually debilitating, and the patient’s mobility is greatly affected.

The instance of severe joint pain in those affected by chikungunya can remain for several weeks. Depending on the severity of the infection, the age of the patient, and other physical factors, the joint pain might even linger on for several months or years (5). Besides the feeling of pain, swelling of the joints may also be observed.

3. Maculopapular Rashes

The term ‘maculopapular rash’ signifies a rash that is flat, reddened and has several small bumps all over it. The instance of such a rash occurs in about half of the patients suffering from a chikungunya infection and can be seen on the trunk, neck, earlobes, etc. (6)

There can be some itching experienced by the patient, depending on the instance and severity of the rash.

4. Muscle Pain and Headaches

Muscle Pain and Headaches
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Similar to joint pain, chikungunya sufferers may also experience muscle pain and headaches (7). While these might not be as debilitating as the joint pain, they tend to be constant symptoms and can disrupt your daily life quite significantly.

5. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and Vomiting
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In some rare cases of a chikungunya infection, the sufferer could experience nausea and vomiting. The vomiting is generally for brief periods and isn’t a lingering, on-going issue with the disease.

As mentioned previously, there is no decisive vaccination, cure or treatment for chikungunya. Patients are usually asked to take rest and consume plenty of fluids, and while most eventually recover from the fever within a week or two, severe joint pain could continue for much longer, which is why chikungunya is such a terrible disease and needs to be prevented at all costs.

Living with the joint pain caused by chikungunya can disrupt professions, family life, academic endeavors, athletic activities, and more. It affects not only the patient’s physical well-being but also their mental health due to the debilitating effects (8).

Here are some ways that chikungunya can be prevented:

  • Protection Against Mosquitoes

It is of paramount importance, to use a quality solution for keeping these mosquitoes out of your home. Using a high-performing product such as the Goodknight Activ+ System can aid greatly in protecting yourself and your family indoors from such mosquitoes and, by extension, chikungunya itself. It is recommended that the product be used during both day and night times for maximum protection.

  • Hygiene and Cleanliness

Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness of your house and its surroundings is one of the best preventive measures for keeping chikungunya and its perpetrators, the mosquitoes, at bay. The Aedes variant of mosquitoes finds breeding grounds in shallow waters, tires, plastic sheets, plastic drums, old containers, flower pots and any other place that could be holding even a small amount of water.

Therefore, keep an eye out for any such spots or items where water could be getting collected and deal with it accordingly. Preventing the mosquitoes from breeding goes a long way in disease prevention for chikungunya, Zika, dengue, malaria and other such diseases.

  • Outdoor Protection

Staying inside the house and protecting yourself from mosquitoes by using a product such as Goodknight Activ+ System is one thing, but it’s a different story altogether when you’re out and about.

It is equally important to stay protected even when you’re not within the secure confines of your house, as mosquitoes spreading diseases like chikungunya can be found quite commonly. For such purposes, the Goodknight Fabric Roll-On is a highly recommended product that can help immensely.

This mosquito repellent is made using natural ingredients and therefore can be applied safely over the garments of both adults and children. Just 4 dots of the product can protect against mosquitoes for up to 8 hours!

Remaining vigilant and preventive against the instances of chikungunya are the best ways of dealing with the disease. However, if you think you’re affected by it already, seek the advice of a medical professional and take sufficient rest.

We hope that the tips and information we’ve provided you today will be of good use!

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