Chinkungunya is a viral disease (genus Alphavirus) which is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes.
The name chinkungunya originates from a verb in the Kimakonde language meaning to become contorted. This refers to the stooped appearance of those suffering with joint pain.
Symptoms
Most people infected with Chinkungunya virus will develop some symptoms. They usually begin 3-7 days after bitten by infected mosquito.The most common symptoms are fever and joint pains. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain and joint swelling. This disease does not often result in death but the symptoms can be severe and disabling. Most patients feel better within a week but but in some people joint pain may persist for months.
Diagnosis
See your healthcare provider if you develop the symptoms described above and have visited an area where chinkungunya is found. If you have recently travelled, tell your healthcare provider when and where you travelled. You healthcare provider may order blood tests to look for chinkungunya or other viruses.
Treatment
There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent chinkungunya virus but you can treat the symptoms in that:Get plenty of rest ,drink fluids to prevent dehydration,take medicine such as paracetamol to reduce fever and pain, do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. If you have chinkungunya virus prevent mosquito bites for the first week of your illness.