Chikungunya fever still often become an endemic problem in tropical and subtropical regions. The weak of population immunity against the virus and the high number of mosquitoes refers to vectors of chikungunya which becomes supporting factors about the emergence of this epidemic. Allegedly the rising puddles as breeding grounds for mosquitoes when the rainy season also contributed onto the spread of this disease.
Chikungunya’s Effects and Treatments
Chikungunya is a viral disease affecting humans through the bite of Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus. These mosquitos act as an intermediary or vectors which carries the chikungunya virus in the body without being afflicted. Both are the same type of mosquito that causes dengue fever. Causes and symptoms which similar causes chikungunya disease is often misdiagnosed as dengue fever. Aedes aegypti much alive and found in tropical and subtropical regions, while Aedes (Ae.) Albopictus live in the area and the temperature which mild and cooler. Both mosquito species is common found, especially in the morning and afternoon. Cases of chikungunya itself has been identified in about 60 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and America.
Chikungunya virus can not be spread directly from one person to another. The disease is caused by a virus that spread through the bite of Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus, two types of mosquitoes that can also cause hemorrhagic fever virus. Chikungunya virus include in a group of alfavirus genes from Togaviridae family that are found in tropical countries. Generally, these mosquitoes attack in daylight, but the bite mainly occurred during the early morning and late afternoon. You are more vulnerable when outside the home, although it is possible that Ae. aegypti can also attack in the room. Ae. aegypti more live and breed in a place close to humans, especially indoors. Places which generally inhabited by these mosquitoes are water reservoirs, bathtub, to vases and flower pots filled with water.
Ae. albopictus has a breed place more numerous and diverse than Ae. aegypti. In addition to the puddle at the former vehicle tires, ponds, or potted plants, this mosquito can also breed in stagnant water in tree holes, bamboo, and coconut shell. After being bitten by mosquitoes that carry the virus, symptoms will begin to feel in 4-8 days, but can also be started 2-12 days after the bite. Symptoms initially resemble flu symptoms.
- Fever – suddenly begins; one of the main symptoms of chikungunya
- Joint pain – The severity can obstruct the movement of the patient’s body; These symptoms can last for weeks and is also the main symptoms of chikungunya. These symptoms generally appear shortly after the fever begins to feel.
- Muscle ache
- Cold
- Intolerable Headache
- Rash or red spots on the whole body
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
In some cases, the symptoms of joint pain will still be felt for months, even years. Chikungunya symptoms are usually mild so as not detected or too felt by the sufferer. In areas which have cases of dengue fever, not a few cases of wrong diagnosis between the two diseases. In some rare cases, complications due to chikungunya, such as disorders of the nerves, eyes, heart, and gastrointestinal tract may appear. Especially in the elderly, the disease can lead to death.
There is no specific treatment to cure chikungunya. Medications painkillers and anti-inflammatories just aim to relieve symptoms. Among them are analgesics to relieve muscle pain and other pain. In the majority of patients who are dehydrated, for example due to loss of appetite and lazy drinking, oral rehydration fluid administration or infusion can be done to prevent dehydration. Consult to a doctor before using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Provision of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are given if it has been ascertained that the patient is not suffering from dengue fever. This is because the side effects of bleeding in patients with dengue fever.
