DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Chikungunya

MODERATE

A mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Causes sudden onset fever and severe joint pain. First identified in Tanzania in 1952. Name means 'that which bends up' describing the stooped posture from joint pain.

Global Affected

2.0M

Countries

92

Symptoms

Sudden high fever
Severe joint pain
Muscle pain
Headache
Fatigue
Rash
Nausea
Swollen joints

Treatment Options

Supportive care
Hydration
Acetaminophen for fever
NSAIDs for joint pain (avoid aspirin)
Physical therapy for chronic arthritis
Corticosteroids (refractory cases)

Risk Factors

1Travel to endemic areas
2Mosquito exposure
3No prior immunity
4Elderly age
5Newborn exposure
6Chronic medical conditions

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1RT-PCR (first week)
  • 2Serology (IgM/IgG ELISA)
  • 3Viral culture
  • 4Clinical diagnosis in outbreaks

Prognosis

Usually self-limiting (1-2 weeks). 30-40% develop chronic arthralgia lasting months to years. Rarely fatal. Immunity after infection believed lifelong.

Prevention

  • Mosquito bite prevention
  • DEET repellents
  • Protective clothing
  • Eliminating standing water
  • IXCHIQ vaccine (newly approved)
  • Air conditioning/screens

Research Status

No specific antiviral or vaccine currently available. Live-attenuated vaccine (IXCHIQ) FDA-approved December 2023. Supportive care mainstay. Research into persistent arthralgia mechanisms. Vector control remains primary prevention.

Affected Countries

IndiaThailandIndonesiaMMPhilippinesMalaysiaSingaporeLKMVREMUYTSCMGKMTanzaniaKenyaUgandaRWBIDR CongoCGGAGQCMCFTDNENigeriaBJTGGhanaCILRSLGNGWSenegalGMMRMaliBFTGBJBrazilColombiaVenezuelaGYSRGFPeruEcuadorBOPYUYArgentinaChilePACRNIHNSVGuatemalaBZMexicoCubaJMHaitiDominican RepublicPRVIGPMQBLMFSXAWCWBQAIAGDMLCVCGDBBTTKNUnited StatesFranceItalySpain

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov
  • https://www.who.int
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.