Chikungunya : A viral illness caused by mosquitoes

21 August, 2012

The massive urbanization has been the reason for the spread of many contagious diseases. A good example for the rise in contagious diseases is the Chikungunya outbreaks in late 2005.

CHIKUNGUNYA IS a viral illness caused by the bite of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. It was first reported in Africa (Makonde Plateau), in 1952. “Chikungunya” means "that which bends up" in Makonde language, this name was given to it because the patients suffering with this fever walk stooped down due to joint pains.

The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to that of dengue fever. The fever is non-fatal and goes away on its own within eight days of high fever. But the recovery needs time as it weakens the body's resistance to fight diseases, and your body will become more open to catch new diseases. The symptoms of chikungunya are fever, joint pains, inflammation of joints, myalgia, stiffness of joints, fatigue, rashes, nausea and vomiting. The cause of chikungunya fever is the bite of an infected mosquito. The monkeys acts as reservoir of the virus.

There are no specific antiviral drugs or medicine that are specifically used for the treatment of chikungunya. As the disease affects the immune system, it automatically gets cured, but the treatment is given for the symptoms. Home remedies such as Honey and lime mix give a soothing affect to the patient. Some mild exercise and appropriate rest will relieve the pains.

The medication for chikungunya, which is gaining ground now a days as a possible treatment for its symptoms, is Chloroquine. A University of Malaya study found that for arthritis-like symptoms that are not relieved by aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), chloroquine phosphate (250 mg/day) has given promising results. Still, there is a debate going on the appropriateness of chloroquine as a medication for chikungunya. Some other medications for treating chicungunya include Pyroginum, Rhus-tox, Cedron, Influenzinum, China and Arnica, reported the website chikungunyavirusnet.

There is no specific cure for chikungunya. But some well known homeopathic doctors from south India have suggested a single dose cure for chikungunya, the reports says that it has cured thousands of cases of this disease. The name of the remedy is Polyporus Pinicola or Polyporus Officinalis, reported in abchomeopathy.com