Chikungunya not as dangerous as Dengue

For the first time since 1969, the fear of Chikungunya has gripped the country, as a number of mysterious deaths and cases of symptoms similar to this viral fever are being reported from several parts of the country.

Epidemiology Unit’s Director General Dr. Paba Palihawadane commenting on Chikungunya said it was difficult to differentiate it from Dengue.

“Both viral infections have similarities when it comes to the mosquito and symptoms. There are times when Chikungunya is misdiagnosed as Dengue. But the effect of Chikungunya is milder than that of Dengue,” she said.

According to Dr. Palihawadane the main symptoms are fever, rash and pain in the joints. The rash typically appears on the first day of the illness. The other symptoms include headache, photophobia, fatigue, nausea and vomiting and sore throat.

“Chikungunya is not a dangerous infection and there are no specific antiviral cure or vaccines. A patient needs lots of rest, fluids and paracetamol to relieve symptoms of fever and pain in the joints,” she said.

Chikungunya is transmitted by Aedes aegypti (the dengue mosquito), a daytime biter and primary vector in the CHIKV infection. Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito) too carries the infection to humans. These mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person infected with CHIKV. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other humans when they bite.

Dr.Palihawadane said the preventive methods are the same as for Dengue. They include using mosquito repellents, coils, nets and

wearing protective clothing. The most important factor is to get rid of mosquito-breeding sites, especially discarded tyres, plastic containers, coconut shells, blocked gutters, bird baths and flower pots where there is a possibility of rain water stagnating.

A person suffering from Chikungunya fever should avoid exposure to mosquito bites to avoid further spreading of the infection. The person must stay indoors or under a mosquito net.

“Blood samples taken from suspected patients have been sent to Thailand for verification and further analysis” she said.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is conducting public awareness programmes on basic prevention methods while providing hospitals with guidelines on treatment.

Dr.J.Madan of the Kalmunai Base Hospital said that more than 100 suspected patients had been admitted to hospital.

“The patients were suffering from fever and joint pains. But the diagnoses have not been confirmed. Patients Ward 2 and 4 have been allocated only for patients with suspected symptoms of Chikungunya.

Preventive methods are the same as for Dengue. They include