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ALL / Infectious Diseases
Chikungunya
Chikungunya
Alphavirus disease caused by infected mosquitoes. Areas affected are Africa, Asia and Indian subcontinent but in recent years there has been seen in a few cases in Southern Europe. Tanzania had the first reported case.Symptoms
- Prominent symptoms are severe joint pain and abrupt onset of high fever
- Other symptoms include general flu-like illness of muscle ache, headache, and fatigue
- The disease shares its symptoms with dengue but tends to have more joint pain which can be debilitating
- A rash may develop as with other viral illness and swelling of the joints in not uncommon
Investigations
- Diagnosis is confirmed with serology (IgM antibodies or PCR for viral RNA)
- FBC may show lymphopenia or mild thrombocytopenia.
Management
- Supportive care including fluids, analgesia, and antipyretics
- NSAIDs or paracetamol are commonly used for joint symptoms
- There is no specific antiviral treatment
- Most patients recover fully, though joint pain may persist for weeks to months in some cases.
+PassMedicine Notes
Alphavirus disease caused by infected mosquitoes. Areas affected are Africa, Asia and Indian subcontinent but in recent years there has been seen in a few cases in Southern Europe. Tanzania had the first reported case.
Symptoms- Prominent symptoms are severe joint pain and abrupt onset of high fever
- Other symptoms include general flu-like illness of muscle ache, headache, and fatigue
- The disease shares its symptoms with dengue but tends to have more joint pain which can be debilitating
- A rash may develop as with other viral illness and swelling of the joints in not uncommon
- Diagnosis is confirmed with serology (IgM antibodies or PCR for viral RNA)
- FBC may show lymphopenia or mild thrombocytopenia.
- Supportive care including fluids, analgesia, and antipyretics
- NSAIDs or paracetamol are commonly used for joint symptoms
- There is no specific antiviral treatment
- Most patients recover fully, though joint pain may persist for weeks to months in some cases.