CHIKUNGUNYA - A FEVER WHICH BENDS UP

Chikungunya also known Chicken Guinea is a kind of viral fever caused by alpha virus which is called Chikungunya Virus or Chicken Guinea virus. The word chikengunya is from Maconde language in Africa and it means “that which bends up”.

The disease is spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which are active only during the day time. These mosquitoes lay their eggs in fresh water only.


Symptoms:-

Chikungunya (Chicken Guinea) is not a fatal disease, but if the affected person has other complications, the Chikungunya disease symptoms may aggravate and may result in complications and may even pose threat to life.

The symptoms may appear from day one to twelve after mosquito bite. The chikungunya starts with high (upto 104° Fahrenheit) temperature with or without chill, pain in body and all the major joints with swelling. In some cases nausea, vomiting, skin rashes on limbs and trunk, severe headache and conjunctivitis can also be found. Usually the fever subsides within 2 to 3 days but the joint pain and swelling is the most troublesome symptom and last for several days to several months.

Diagnosis of Chikungunya

WHO recommends certain criteria to diagnose chikungunya, are –

1. Clinical criteria : acute onset of fever with temperature 100° F or above and severe joint pain not explained by any other medical conditions.

2. Epidemiological criteria : Patient residing or having visited the epidemic area has been reported transmission, in last 15 days previous to the onset of symptoms.

3. Laboratory criteria: At least one of the following tests must be positive. It is necessary as the disease simulates the deadly Dengue fever.

a. Four time increase in HI (Hemagglutination Inhibition) antibody difference in a paired serum sample.                        

     This becomes positive in 5 – 8 days of infection.

b. Detection of IgM Antibodies. These remain positive for 6 months.

c. Isolation of virus from the blood.

d. Detection of virus nucleic acid from serum by RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction). This should be conducted within 5 days of infection. 

Chikungunya Treatment: 


Chikungunya is a violent viral disease. Treatment includes taking sufficient rest, fluid and food and proper medicine but avoid aspirin as it harms stomach. Homeopathic treatment for Chikungunya is very effective. Homoeopathic treatment should be started as early as possible. It can be continued along with conventional treatment (allopathy) if desired. Conventional treatment consists of only symptomatic treatment of fever, stiffness, joint pain etc. of this viral illness, but homeopathic medicines give better and comparatively long lasting relief from the disease.

In homoeopathy Arnica, Cedron, China, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Influenzinum, Pyrogenum, Rhus tox, Belladona, Bryonia, Pulsatilla, Arsenicum alb., Cocculus i., Ruta, Plumbum met., Argentum met., Chamomilla, Symphytum, Acid Formic, Boswellia ser., Curcuma longa, Zingiber etc. are effective medicines. Which of these or some other medicine will help you, your doctor can tell as homoeopathic medicines are prescribed on clinical evidences. Homeopathic pills are simply dissolved on/under tongue. Homeopathic medicines do not cause gastric irritation, are safe on kidneys and liver even when taken for long duration.

Homeopathic medicines are equally effective for post-chikungunya complaints like weakness, stiffness in joints, muscles pain etc.


Prevention of Chikungunya

The best way to avoid infection is to prevent mosquito bites. Infected persons should be protected from further mosquito exposure (staying indoors and/or under a mosquito net during the first few days of illness) so that they can't contribute to the transmission cycle.  

In epidemics, prevention of the disease can be achieved by administering Homeopathic "Genus Epidemicus". A Genus Epidemicus is the homeopathic medicine that is chosen as a preventive remedy for that particular epidemic in that particular locality on the basis of manifested symptom collected during the epidemic. Also

• Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin.

• Wear long sleeves shirts and pants.

• Have secure screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Spray mosquitocide in open water bodies.

Dr. M. K. Tyagi
D.H.M.S., Dip. N.I.H.Research Officer
Sewa Mandir
Mobile" 09829157926
Email: 1.sewamandir@usa.net, 2.manju_mkt2003@yahoo.co.in