Chikungunya is a viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus and is characterized by fever and severe joint pain.
When a person is infected by the virus, the onset of symptoms begins within three to seven days of the mosquito bite. This disease is usually not fatal except for some rare cases, but the symptoms can be severe and long-lasting.
The virus is usually spread to people by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito bites. These mosquitoes typically bite outdoors. However, Aedes aegypti can bite indoors too.
Symptoms of Chikungunya:
The symptoms of the virus usually set off after a few days from the bite of the infected mosquito. The disease causes fever and severe joint pain which can last for a few weeks.
Some of the common symptoms that can help identify Chikungunya disease are – fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, rash and swelling around the joints.
Here’s how to avoid chikungunya infection:
Mosquitoes bite during the day and night. There is no vaccine to prevent chikungunya virus infection. The best way to prevent chikungunya is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
1. People should use screens on windows and doors. They should also repair holes in screens to keep mosquitos outdoors.
2. Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers. In addition to this, check for water-holding containers both indoors and outdoors.
3. Use air conditioning, if available.
4. People must fumigate and disinfect possible breeding places of mosquitoes in and around their houses, particularly during the rainy season.
5. While indoors or outdoors, use effective insect repellents to reduce the chances of mosquito bites.
6. Wear long clothes that minimise the area of exposed skin. Try wearing clothes that cover up the maximum body or long clothes. it reduces the chances of mosquito bites.
7. Avoid traveling to areas experiencing outbreaks.
