Some facts about Chikungunya
(dreaded disease caused by mosquito bite)

What is chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever transmitted to humans
by infected mosquitoes. Typically the Aedes aegypti mosquito spreads the
disease. The World Health Organisation says there are also other competent
mosquito vectors that infect the disease that are found in Africa,
South-East Asia, southern India and Pakistan. Primarily, it occurs during
the rainy season.

Why the name chikungunya?
Chikungunya comes from the Swahili language for stooped walk, reflecting the
physique of a person suffering from the disease.

Is the disease fatal?
Generally, health experts say, chikungunya is not fatal. However, in last
year, there were 200 deaths due to chikungunya on Reunion Island in southern
Africa. In the last three months, there have been some 300 deaths across
southern India, in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. In
July, Tamil Nadu had the largest number of cases that were centered around
the southern districts of Madurai and Tirunelveli.

What are the symptoms of the disease?
The symptoms of chikungunya appear between four and seven days after the
mosquito bite. A high fever and headache occur, with significant pains in
the joints (ankles, wrists) that can persist for several weeks. The joints
of the extremities in particular become swollen and painful to touch. A rash
may sometimes occur. Haemorrhage is rare and all but a few patients recover
within three to five days. Some can suffer from joint pain for months.
Children may display neurological symptoms. Chikungunya is also known to
create complications in young children, pregnant women, the elderly and in
persons with underlying diseases.

Does the disease get transmitted between people?
WHO has officially declared that the disease is not transmissible between
people.

What is to be done to prevent Chikungunya?
The main preventive measure is to stop the proliferation of mosquitoes by
eliminating their breeding ground.

How serious is the situation in Alappuzha in Kerala, where the disease is
spreading?
Health officials tackling the disease in Alappuzha said some 60 people have
died in the last three weeks and nearly 40,000 people are suffering from
acute forms of viral fever. According to K Velayudhan, chief medical officer
of Kerala's Alappuzha district, nearly 40,000 people were showing symptoms
of the disease. "Blood samples of some of the patients have tested positive
for chikungunya," he told rediff.com.

Why is Alappuzha hit by the disease?
Alappuzha has the largest backwater stretch in Kerala. In many places,
backwaters are stagnant, creating the breeding ground for mosquitoes.


- Shriram