Chikungunya (bone flu): symptoms, causes, and medicines. • hello healthy

Definition

What is chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral infection. In Indonesia, chikungunya is also associated with the term bone flu because this viral infection affects the joints.

The type of mosquito that transmits this virus is the same as that which spreads the dengue hemorrhagic fever virus (DBD) and the Zika virus, namely mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Infected patients will usually develop fever and severe joint pain suddenly at the start.

Reporting from the pages of the World Health Organization, this virus was first identified during an outbreak in 1952 in Tanzania. The virus is a virus Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) which belongs to the family alphavirus type Togaviridae.

The name chikungunya comes from a word in the Kimakonde language which roughly means “to curl”.

That is, this name describes the physical appearance of a patient who usually experiences bending due to joint pain caused by this virus.

How common is chikungunya?

Chikungunya disease has been identified in more than 60 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and America. This disease can affect anyone in all age ranges and sexes.

However, you can reduce your exposure to this disease by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of chikungunya?

The appearance of chikungunya is usually characterized by various symptoms such as:

Fever
Joint pain
Muscle ache
Swollen joints
Headache
Fatigue

Symptoms of chikungunya can sometimes be accompanied by a rash similar to measles, conjunctivitis (red eyes), nausea, and vomiting.

These symptoms usually appear between 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. This disease generally does not cause death, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling.

Usually, the severity of this condition is very risky for the elderly, especially those with chronic diseases.

In most cases, patients infected with this virus will feel better within a week. However, others can experience joint pain for months to years.

Generally, people who have been infected with this disease are less likely to develop this disease in the future.

Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

When should I go to the doctor?

See a doctor if you suspect you or a family member may have chikungunya from your symptoms. Especially if you recently went to an outbreak.

Doctors usually will do blood tests to determine whether you are suffering from this one disease or not.

Cause

What causes chikungunya?

The cause of this disease is infection with the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) which is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites Aedes who are infected.

Previously, the chikungunya mosquito was infected with the virus when it bit and sucked the blood of a person who was already infected with this virus. These infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through their bites.

Both types of mosquitoes are the same as the mosquitoes that transmit the dengue hemorrhagic fever virus. Usually this type of mosquito tends to bite humans during the day and night.

Is chikungunya contagious between humans?

Unlike other viral diseases, chikungunya is rarely transmitted from mother to newborn during birth.

In addition, there were no data or cases that stated that breast milk could be a medium for transmission of the chikungunya virus.

In fact, many mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their children when the chikungunya disease is spreading. The reason is, breast milk contains many benefits for the body, one of which is strengthening the immune system of children.

In addition, although in theory the virus can be spread through blood transfusions, until now there have been no reports of this.

Therefore, it can be said that it is highly unlikely that this virus can be transmitted through blood.

Risk factors

What factors increase my risk of getting this disease?

Chikungunya disease can affect anyone, both men and women. However, there are several things that can increase your risk of developing this disease, namely:

Living in a tropical country
Travel to an area affected by an outbreak
Living in an area with poor environmental hygiene or sanitation
Are over 65 years of age
Newborn baby
Having health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and a weak immune system

Complications

What are the complications of chikungunya?

Although it is not life threatening, chikungunya can also cause various health complications including:

1. Uveitis

Uveitis is a condition when the lining of the eye becomes inflamed, swollen, and damages eye tissue. This inflammation attacks the middle layer of the eye called the uveal or uvea duct.

This disease usually comes on suddenly and gets worse quickly. Red eyes, pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision are symptoms that usually appear.

2. Myocarditis

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). Myocarditis affects the heart muscle, heart electricity and the work of the heart in pumping blood.

The result is an abnormal heart rhythm. Myocarditis is usually characterized by symptoms such as:

Chest pain
Abnormal heart rate
Shortness of breath even when resting
Swelling of fluid in the legs
Fatigue

3. Hepatitis

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver which is usually caused by a viral infection. However, apart from a viral infection, this condition is also usually caused by drinking alcohol, autoimmune diseases, and certain toxic substances or drugs.

Hepatitis consists of three stages, namely A, B, and C. Hepatitis C is the most severe type of hepatitis and is often detected only when it is chronic.

People with hepatitis usually have one very distinctive symptom, which is yellowish skin. That is why this disease is often referred to as jaundice.

Diagnosis & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the tests that are usually done to diagnose this disease?

The symptoms of chikungunya fever are very similar to those of dengue and Zika hemorrhagic fever. This makes ordinary physical examination unable to detect the exact cause of disease.

Tell your doctor and health care provider if any unusual symptoms appear, especially after you have traveled to an area with a high incidence of chikungunya.

To determine whether a patient is infected with the chikungunya virus or not, the doctor will perform a blood test.

This procedure is the only test that can be done to detect the presence of the virus. Usually the examination will be effective if the fever has lasted two to three days.

The reason is, the fever that has only lasted one day is still not known the exact cause.

What are the treatment options for chikungunya?

There is no vaccine or cure for the chikungunya virus. Treatment of chikungunya is usually done to help reduce symptoms.

No need to worry, viruses are rarely fatal. However, it should be noted that the symptoms of this virus are quite paralyzing.

However, usually the doctor will give you medicine to help relieve fever and joint pain. Medicines that are usually prescribed include:

1. Naproxen

Naproxen is one drug that doctors almost certainly prescribe for people with joint problems. This drug can help reduce inflammation and joint and muscle pain in chikungunya patients.

However, not everyone can take this medicine. Naproxen is not recommended for people who are allergic to NSAID drugs, have indigestion, and have certain chronic diseases (liver, kidney, or heart disease).

2. Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Usually ibuprofen is also one of the drugs prescribed by doctors if you experience fever and disturbing pain due to chikungunya.

Similar to naproxen, this drug cannot be used by just anyone, especially if they have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, liver, kidney, or heart disease.

3. Paracetamol

Paracetamol can also help relieve symptoms of joint pain and fever due to chikungunya. This drug is classified as safe for consumption by everyone.

However, make sure you consult your doctor first if you have liver, kidney problems, and allergies to paracetamol.

What are some home remedies for treating chikungunya?

The lifestyle and home remedies below may help you reduce your risk of chikungunya fever, namely:

Drink plenty of water to help relieve fever
Eat a balanced nutritious diet to help restore the condition
Get enough rest and not do excessive activity when you are sick so that you can quickly recover

Prevention

How can you prevent chikungunya?

Chikungunya is transmitted by mosquitoes. That is why, of course, the best prevention is to avoid bites. Here are various ways you can prevent mosquito bites:

Using mosquito repellents containing DEET (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) or picaridin on skin and clothing
Turn on diffuser which contains lemon eucalyptus oil to keep mosquitoes away
Wear closed clothes such as pants and long sleeves
Wear bright colored clothes because mosquitoes prefer dark colors
Do not go to an area that is experiencing an outbreak
Installing a mosquito net in the bedroom
Shut off the source of puddles in the house
Put a flower pot or other container that is not used upside down so that it doesn't become a mosquito nest
Putting mosquito repellent plants in or around the house.
Minimizing outdoor activities in the afternoon and evening when mosquitoes are roaming