Introduction to Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a virus that has been spreading rapidly in southern China, prompting the Chinese authorities to take measures to curb its spread. As of Wednesday, the government reported over 7,000 cases, mostly in the southern manufacturing hub of Foshan. The virus often causes fever and joint pain, and its spread has raised concerns globally.
What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a disease caused by a virus of the same name. The chikungunya virus was first identified in people sickened during an outbreak in Tanzania in 1952. Its name is derived from a word in the Makonde language, which means “that which bends up,” due to the severe pain it can cause. Chikungunya is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and mostly causes mild symptoms. The majority of people who get chikungunya recover without needing medical attention after one to two weeks. The Food and Drug Administration approved the first vaccine to prevent disease caused by the Chikungunya virus.
Symptoms of Chikungunya
Chikungunya typically produces symptoms including fever, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue, and a rash. But in rare cases, it can cause debilitating joint pain that persists for months or even years. Patients who get severely ill often require hospitalization because of the risk of organ damage. The World Health Organization says severe cases and deaths are rare and mostly occur in babies or elderly people with underlying health conditions.
Treatment and Vaccine
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, but health workers can treat the symptoms by giving medicines to lower fevers or ease muscle pain. Two vaccines have been approved in several regions, including Britain, Brazil, Canada, and Europe. Those are mostly targeted at travelers and are not widely available in the countries most affected by chikungunya.
Geographic Distribution
Chikungunya causes regular outbreaks in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with occasional small epidemics in Europe. As of July, there have been about 240,000 cases of chikungunya, including 90 deaths in 16 countries, according to the European Centres for Disease Prevention and Control. The countries that reported the highest number of infections were Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru.
Situation in China
An outbreak of chikungunya in Foshan, near Hong Kong, has prompted Chinese authorities to take measures like distributing mosquito nets, having workers spray residential areas, streets, and construction sites with insecticide. People who do not empty bottles, flower pots, or other outdoor receptacles, where water might accumulate and allow mosquitoes to breed, can be subject to fines of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400) and have their electricity cut off. The U.S. has issued a travel advisory telling citizens not to visit China’s Guangdong province, the location of Donguan and several other business hubs, along with countries such as Bolivia and island nations in the Indian Ocean. Unusually heavy rains and high temperatures this year have worsened the crisis in China.
Increase in Outbreaks
Yes, the number of outbreaks has increased since 2000, just as there have been more outbreaks of other mosquito-transmitted diseases like dengue and Zika, according to Robert Jones, an assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Jones said in a statement that in 2013, chikungunya was first seen in the island of St. Martin and that over the next three years, cases were confirmed in almost 50 countries in the Caribbean and the Americas, with more than 1 million suspected cases. Jones said the risks of chikungunya epidemics have risen due to climate change and urban expansion, warning that the disease could spread to other parts of southern China with humid climates and dense cities.
Conclusion
Chikungunya is a significant public health concern, particularly in areas with high mosquito populations. The increase in outbreaks in recent years is a cause for concern, and it is essential to take measures to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes using insecticides, distributing mosquito nets, and implementing public health campaigns to raise awareness about the disease. Additionally, the development of effective vaccines is crucial in preventing and controlling chikungunya outbreaks.
FAQs
- Q: What is chikungunya?
A: Chikungunya is a disease caused by a virus of the same name, transmitted by infected mosquitoes. - Q: What are the symptoms of chikungunya?
A: Chikungunya typically produces symptoms including fever, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue, and a rash. - Q: Is there a treatment or vaccine for chikungunya?
A: There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, but health workers can treat the symptoms. Two vaccines have been approved in several regions. - Q: Where does chikungunya normally occur?
A: Chikungunya causes regular outbreaks in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with occasional small epidemics in Europe. - Q: Can chikungunya be prevented?
A: Yes, chikungunya can be prevented by using insecticides, distributing mosquito nets, and implementing public health campaigns to raise awareness about the disease.
