About arbovirus a chikungunya type

What is arbovirus a chikungunya type?

Chikungunya is a rare viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is characterized by a rash, fever, and severe joint pain (arthralgias) that usually lasts for three to seven days. Because of its effect on the joints, Chikungunya has been classified among the Arthritic Viruses. It primarily occurs in tropical areas of the world.

What are the symptoms for arbovirus a chikungunya type?

Most people that become infected with the virus will develop some symptoms usually within three to seven days after a bite by an infected mosquito.

The most common symptoms are

  • fever,
  • joint pain, and
  • swelling.

The affected individual also may develop

  • headache,
  • muscle pain, and/or
  • rash.

Most patients feel better in about seven days, but in some individuals the joint pain may last for months. The symptoms are similar to those of another disease, dengue fever, which is also spread by the same mosquitoes.

Rare complications include

  • eye problems and
  • inflammation of the heart, liver, brain, skin, kidneys and nerves.

Neonates and the elderly (>65 years), especially those with other medical problems, are at highest risk for severe disease and complications

Death is rare and occurs mainly in the elderly.

What are the causes for arbovirus a chikungunya type?

  • Humans are infected when Aedes aegypti and albopictus mosquitoes, containing Chikungunya virus, bite humans.
  • The viruses are transmitted during the mosquito bite (blood meal).
  • The viruses then multiply in humans and can then be picked up by other uninfected mosquitoes when they bite infected humans to complete the viral replication cycle.

What are the treatments for arbovirus a chikungunya type?

Medical treatments and home remedies to relive symptoms of Chikungunya virus infections include

  • rest,
  • fluids, and
  • any medicines that might reduce the fever and pain.

Once a person recovers from Chikungunya infection, researchers suggest the person develops life-long immunity to the virus type.

What are the risk factors for arbovirus a chikungunya type?

Although Chikungunya virus has been mainly reported in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans, it has spread to the Americas recently. However, you no longer have to travel to a faraway place such as French Polynesia like Lindsay Lohan did in December 2014 to become infected. In 2013 the virus had spread to the Caribbean islands. As of December 2014, 41 countries or territories in the Caribbean, Central America, South America and North America have had laboratory-confirmed Chikungunya infections.

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