What It Is Chikungunya?

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Chikungunya virus has been known throughout the world, as the mosquito-borne virus that was first circulated in the Caribbean area, before entering the United States. Until now, have not found a vaccine against chikungunya virus is. Thus, those who want to travel to the Caribbean, need to do a variety of infection prevention measures.The word chikungunya is derived from African languages, which means bending the body. Because, the sufferer, will bend the body due to the pain that is felt in the areas of joints. In 1952, chikungunya virus was first recognized and sustained by chimpanzees in southern Tanzania. Mosquitoes that carry chikungunya virus, can bite and infect animals and humans both.After the bite occurs, the chikungunya virus in the system will stay in a person's body, about a week old. Not only the original virus-carrying mosquitoes, mosquitoes can suck the blood containing the virus chikungunya, and bring it again and infect the next person bitten.

Some of the symptoms that would arise in those infected with chikungunya virus, are as follows:

1. Symptoms begin with fever and pain in the joints. These symptoms will occur within 3-7 days, after suffering the bite of an infected mosquito.

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2. Additional symptoms that will occur, headache, muscle pain, swelling of the joints and a rash on the body. Various symptoms of chikungunya infection conditions will not cause death, but sufferers will quite seriously ill and is crippling.

Illustration by Google Image

In addition to these symptoms, patients with chikungunya themselves will feel better within a week. However, not all patients experienced similar symptoms.

">Some patients, will experience joint pain that lasts for months.It kind of chikungunya virus infection is that it generates immunity. If ever infected with this virus, the patient will be minimal risk of contracting the virus back the same, because of the natural protection of the body.

Similar to dengue fever

 
Symptoms of chikungunya disease, sometimes resemble the symptoms of dengue fever, which is also caused by a virus from the bite of a mosquito. Therefore, if the symptoms are similar to bedarah fever, but is accompanied by pain in the joints that paralyzes, immediately consult a doctor. Tell your activity before the body feels pain, including if there is a trip to the new foreign made. Typically, the doctor will do blood tests to determine whether or not the virus.

Until now, has not been found drugs that can cure chikungunya infection or to prevent its spread. To treat the symptoms of chikungunya that happens, the patient needs plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, ranging from water, pure fruit juice to the soup, to prevent dehydration. Drugs that can be taken even usually, would be to relieve fever and pain, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen or paracetamol. (AM)