Chikungunya is a viral desease transmitted to human by mosquitoes and causes significant symptoms, such as fever. Chikungunya was first time described in 1952 when an outbreak in southern Tanzania was observed.
Before 2013 Chikungunya virus had been identified in Africa, Asia, Europe and Pacific Oceans, but in late 2013 cikungunya virus was identified in Caribbean countries and territories of America according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The mosquitoes in the area have been infected with the virus and are spreading it to people. Since then in America, more than 1.7 million suspected cases identified and reported to the Pan American Health Organization.
Chikungunya virus, also known as CHIKV is an insect-borne virus, of the genus Alphavirus, that is spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Chikungunya usually doesn't cause death, but the symptoms can be very severe. The most common symptoms of virus are joint aches and pains, fever, headache, rash and muscle pain. Some people may have bleeding from hose or gums.
The symptoms of CHIKV are similar to the symptoms of dengue fever but in CHIKV the pain is more intense and concentrated in the joints. The incubation period is about one to twelve days after the mosquito bite. Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment for chikungunya and the main problem with this virus is the after effects.
There is no antiviral drug or medicine specifically for Chikungunya. But since chikungunya is cured by immune system in almost all cases there is no need to worry.
