What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are also responsible for transmitting other diseases, such as dengue and Zika virus.

Symptoms

The symptoms of chikungunya usually appear three to seven days after the bite of the infected mosquito:

febre: usually high and can develop suddenly
muscle pain: typically intense and constant
dor de cabeça: can occur as part of the general symptoms of the disease
fatigue: one of the most common symptoms of chikungunya

Causes

The cause of chikungunya is the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which belongs to the genus Alphavirus. It is transmitted to humans mainly through mosquito bites.

Transmission occurs when an Aedes mosquito bites an infected person and then bites a healthy person, who becomes infected with the virus. Additionally, vertical transmission, from mother to child, during childbirth, can also occur.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of chikungunya is usually carried out in stages:

clinical evaluation: the responsible professional evaluates the symptoms reported by the patient, such as fever, joint pain, headache, and fatigue
laboratory tests: PCR (polymerase chain reaction), for example, can detect the genetic material of the chikungunya virus in the blood during the first days of infection
rapid tests: such as the test for antibody detection, may be available for chikungunya and provide results in a short period

Treatment

The treatment for chikungunya aims to relieve symptoms and improve patient comfort:

rest and hydration: preventing dehydration is essential, especially if there is a fever
pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications: can be used to reduce fever and relieve pain
measures to relieve joint pain: applying cold or hot compresses to the affected joints can provide temporary relief

Prevention

The prevention of chikungunya mainly involves measures to avoid mosquito bites and control the population of vectors:

elimination of mosquito breeding sites: as they are favorable places for mosquito reproduction. This includes pots, old tires, water containers, and clogged gutters
use of repellents: it is necessary to use them mainly on exposed skin, taking care to follow the product instructions. It is important to ensure that the repellent is safe for use in children and pregnant women
protection in indoor environments: installing screens on windows and doors to prevent the entry of mosquitoes
vaccination: the vaccine, called ixchiq, is a recombinant attenuated vaccine and is administered in a single dose. It is indicated for people aged 18 and over who are at increased risk of exposure to the chikungunya virus. However, it is contraindicated for pregnant women, immunodeficient, or immunosuppressed individuals

Referências

Virtual Health Library

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By the Einstein Editorial Board