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It
is caused by a virus belonging to a group called
Arbovirus and is transmitted by mosquito bite. Dengue fever is another disease belonging to the same
group.
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It
is not related to chicken and is different from bird
flu. Bird flu is also caused by a virus called avian influenza virus and is a more serious disease than Chikungunya.
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The disease
is spread by bite of Aedes mosquitoes (or
tiger mosquito, in view of presence of
striations on its body similar to a tiger).
This mosquito breeds in fresh waters unlike
those spreading malaria, which develop in stagnant water. This mosquito usually
bites during the daytime.
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The
disease manifests with acute onset of body ache
including muscle and joint. pains, fever, and skin rash. Painful swelling of hands and feet may be
commonly seen. The body responds to the infection by producing antibodies against the virus and these
antibodies may be detected in lab and give a clue to
the diagnosis.
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Like most of the other viral infections, this disease
also improves over 2-3 weeks spontaneously, however muscle and joint pains may persists for months
in a minority.
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The
disease usually is not associated with mortality or
serious complications.
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The
treatment is essentially for the symptoms with
painkillers and anti-pyretics.
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The
disease can be controlled by hygienic precautions
essentially prevention of mosquito breeding places like open jars, flowerpots etc.
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Dengue
fever is a close mimic of Chikungunya and is transmitted
by the same Aedes mosquito. Here, severe pains including backache and sometimes bleeding
manifestations can be seen. |
