Journal of Zoonotic Diseases and Public Health

Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by the chikungunya virus and is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. The virus is passed to humans by two species of mosquito of the genus Aedes: A. albopictus and A. aegypti. Symptoms usually begin 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito which include fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and virological methods (RT-PCR) are used for the purpose of diagnosis. There is no specific antiviral drug treatment for chikungunya. Treatment is directed primarily at relieving the symptoms, including the joint pain using anti-pyretic, optimal analgesics and fluids. The most effective means of prevention are protection against contact with the disease-carrying mosquitoes and reducing the number of natural and artificial water-filled container habitats that support breeding of the mosquitoes. There is no commercial chikungunya vaccine.

Related Journals of Chikungunya

Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education, Health Science Journal, Journal of Zoonotic Diseases, Journal of Zoonotic Diseases, Emerging Zoonotic Diseases.