Chinkungunya Virus

Chikungunya Virus
HISTORY- The Chikungunya virus is a virus first detected in 1952 in Africa in the border area between Mozambique and Tanzania called the Monkonde Planteau. Chikungunya virus or CHIK-V is a viral disease transmitted to humans and monkeys by infected Andes mosquitoes. As of 2008, 37 countries have had cases of the disease. Mostly in Africa and Asia but cases in Italy and Australia have also been found.

Genus- Alphavirus Family- Togaviridae Species- Arbovirus (arthropod borne)

Single stranded heat sensitive RNA virus with a spherical to oval shape with envelope presence with positive sense RNA.

CHIK-V is a pathogenic disease that is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Direct human to human transmission is said to be impossible but some reports of lab technicians studying the disease and hospital personnel exposed to blood from infected patients were also infected but more studies in those cases are being looked into. Usual transmission occurs when a mosquito

bites an infected person and then bites a non-infected person. Monkeys too are said to be able to be infected and is suspected that they are the major reservoir of the disease.

SYMPTOMS: 1-12 days before symptoms are seen.

Fever (usually up to 104.0 F lasting 2-5 days) Severe joint pain (some Pt's may have pain for weeks, months and some cases years) Headache Chills Nausea/Vomiting Rash on trunk and limbs Conjunctivitis Photophobia partial loss of taste Biochemically damage to cartilage and connective metabolism and release of degraded products from the tissue and responsible for increased levels of proline,hydroxy-proline and mucopolysaccaride. RECOVERY TIME:

5-15 days in young patients 1-2 1/2 months in elder patients some pt's will have persistent joint pain TREATMENT:

There is no specific treatment or vaccination Only treatment is symptomatic with rest, fluids, antipyretics and anticonvulsants DIAGNOSIS:

Virus isolation is the most definitive diagnosis. (1-2 weeks to complete)

PREVENTION:

insect repellent long sleeve shirts and trousers screens on windows and doors clean up stagnant water