Chikungunya Fever
What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya Fever is a disease caused by the Chikungunya virus. The virus is carried by Aedes Aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the same ones that spread Dengue Fever.
What are symptoms of Chikungunya?
Symptoms appear 3-7 days after the person is bitten by an affected mosquito. Most persons infected with the virus will develop symptoms. They usually begin with sudden onset of high fever (over 39 C or 102 F), along with severe joint pains, particularly in the hands and feet. Other symptoms include:
Persons with Chikungunya are often severely affected due to the pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness of joints. Many patients feel 'mash-up' and cannot perform normal tasks or go to work, and many will be confined to bed due to these symptoms.
- Headache
- Muscle Pain
- Joint Swelling
- Fatigue and weakness
- Rash (face, limbs and trunk)
Persons with Chikungunya are often severely affected due to the pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness of joints. Many patients feel 'mash-up' and cannot perform normal tasks or go to work, and many will be confined to bed due to these symptoms.
How long do the symptoms last?
In most cases, symptoms may last between 3-7 days and then clear up on their own. Persons will feel better in their general health and the joint pains will ease.
However, some symptoms may persist and can re-appear two to three months after the initial onset of the disease. These persons may develop long-term joint pains and arthritis that can last for months or even years.
However, some symptoms may persist and can re-appear two to three months after the initial onset of the disease. These persons may develop long-term joint pains and arthritis that can last for months or even years.
Who can get infected with Chikungunya?
Anyone can become infected with the Chikungunya virus, however some people are more likely to experience severe symptoms. These high risk groups are:
- Newborn babies
- Older persons (over 65 years old)
- Persons with underlying medical conditions (e.g. hypertension, diabetes or heart disease)
Is there a vaccine/ treatment for Chikungunya?
There is no medicine to treat with Chikungunya. Most patients do not need to be hospitalized and their care can be managed at home if they are infected. If someone residing in your home has Chikungunya, they should...
You can take medicines to relieve fever and pain, similar to what is used for Dengue.
Avoid using aspirin. Doctors usually prescribe anti-inflammatory or pain medicines to help relieve severe muscle and joint pain. Hospital can is only required if severe joint pain persists.
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
- Sleep with mosquito nets
- Use insect repellent applied to the skin or to spray indoors
- Wear long sleeve shirts, hats and pants.
- Put on air-conditioning indoors once it is available.
You can take medicines to relieve fever and pain, similar to what is used for Dengue.
Avoid using aspirin. Doctors usually prescribe anti-inflammatory or pain medicines to help relieve severe muscle and joint pain. Hospital can is only required if severe joint pain persists.
Prevent Chikungunya
Get rid of the breeding places of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which cause Dengue Fever and Chikungunya around the house. Clean your home and surroundings!!!!!!!!
- COVER all water tanks, barrels, drains and storage containers with tightly fitted cover or with wire mesh - 18 squares to an inch.
- Empty and scrub flower pot saucers and vases at least once a week to destroy mosquito eggs.
- Cut down and remove all bush, and clear overgrown lots that can harbour mosquitoes.
- Keep gutterings clear of leaves and other debris.
- Get rid of discarded items like bottles, tins, coconut shells and other unwanted containers that can hold water and breed mosquitoes.
For the latest information visit www.health.gov.tt. Message came taken from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health.
