Chikungunya

Alphavirus disease caused by infected mosquitoes. Areas affected are Africa, Asia and Indian subcontinent but in recent years there has been seen in a few cases in Southern Europe. Tanzania had the first reported case.

Symptoms

• Prominent symptoms are severe joint pain and abrupt onset of high fever
• Other symptoms include general flu-like illness of muscle ache, headache, and fatigue
• The disease shares its symptoms with dengue but tends to have more joint pain which can be debilitating
• A rash may develop as with other viral illness and swelling of the joints in not uncommon

Investigations

• Diagnosis is confirmed with serology (IgM antibodies or PCR for viral RNA)
• FBC may show lymphopenia or mild thrombocytopenia.

Management

• Supportive care including fluids, analgesia, and antipyretics
• NSAIDs or paracetamol are commonly used for joint symptoms
• There is no specific antiviral treatment
• Most patients recover fully, though joint pain may persist for weeks to months in some cases.