How to Protect Yourself from Chikungunya: Preventing Mosquito Bites

With monsoons around the corner, there is an increased risk of various infectious diseases. The warm and humid climate provides the optimal environment for the growth of organisms that are vectors or carriers for many harmful illnesses. One such disease is chikungunya.

In this article, we will explore what is chikungunya, how it is transmitted, and some tips for chikungunya prevention.

What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a viral disease spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. This mode of transmission makes the disease most prevalent in tropical climates. In India, chikungunya has been classified as “endemic”, meaning that a certain number of cases are almost always present in every part of the country. Since mosquitoes typically breed in stagnant water, there is a rise in Chikungunya cases during the monsoon season.

Also know more about monsoon diseases

What are the Symptoms of Chikungunya?

Chikungunya symptoms generally appear 4 to 7 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Chikungunya causes a sudden onset of fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and skin rashes. While the disease is rarely life-threatening, it can have a long-term impact on health, especially for infected newborns or older patients. Certain chikungunya symptoms, like joint and muscle pain, can persist for a long time, even years after the infection.

At present, there is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. This makes chikungunya prevention the best way forward.

What is the Role of Mosquitoes?

The chikungunya virus is not transmitted directly from person to person. It is transmitted directly in very rare cases, only if there is contact between the blood of an infected person and that of a healthy person.

In most cases, the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, especially females of the Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus species. When a mosquito bites an infected person, the virus replicates in its bloodstream. When this mosquito subsequently bites a healthy person, the virus is transmitted to their blood through the mosquito bite.

Therefore, controlling the breeding and proliferation of mosquitoes is key to preventing the spread of chikungunya. It is advisable to undertake two complementary measures – first, to understand chikungunya causes and reduce the breeding of mosquitoes, and second, to protect from mosquito bites. A combination of these measures can dramatically help with chikungunya prevention.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites?

1. Prevent Water Stagnation
   Stagnant water is necessary for mosquitoes to complete their life cycle. Therefore, all water stored inside the house should remain covered. Any depressions in the ground, like potholes, where rainwater may stagnate, should be quickly fixed. It is advisable to routinely clean any installations like bird-feeding pools or indoor swimming pools and to keep them covered or emptied when not in use.
2. Ensure Cleanliness
   Unclean areas with unmanaged waste are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying organisms. Maintaining cleanliness of the home and surrounding areas is necessary for prevention of vector-borne diseases including chikungunya.
3. Use Mosquito Repellents
   Use of skin-safe, non-toxic repellent creams or sprays helps protect against mosquito bites. Newer variations of the repellent offer protection in less intrusive ways as well, through stickers or sprays that can be applied to clothing instead of directly on the skin.
4. Wear Optimal Clothing
   Loose-fitting or knitted clothing can create a barrier preventing mosquitoes from reaching the skin. Light-coloured clothing can also keep mosquitoes away as compared to darker colours.
5. Avoid the Dusk
   Mosquitoes are generally most active during early mornings, and in the evenings, just after sunset. Therefore, it is best to keep all doors and windows closed during this time and avoid stepping out without adequate protection.

• Avoid the DuskMosquitoes are generally most active during early mornings, and in the evenings, just after sunset. Therefore, it is best to keep all doors and windows closed during this time and avoid stepping out without adequate protection.

Conclusion

Chikungunya symptoms manifest themselves in rather generic ways, primarily through fever and joint pains. This makes the disease incredibly hard to diagnose without accurate lab testing. Early detection can prevent misdiagnosis, thus facilitating better treatment. Dr Lal PathLabs offers a simple and accurate chikungunya test that can ensure early detection. Download the Dr Lal PathLabs App to explore our range of blood tests and book a slot today.

FAQs

• How long does chikungunya last?
  Chikungunya symptoms like fever and nausea last about 7-10 days. Joint or muscle pain, on the other hand, may last for months or even years after the infection. Older patients and very young children are most susceptible to the long-term effects of chikungunya.
• What is chikungunya test?
  The Chikungunya test detects certain antibodies in a blood sample from the patient. Since chikungunya symptoms overlap with many other diseases, it is advisable to get a conclusive blood test as soon as possible to prevent a misdiagnosis.
• What are chikungunya symptoms?
  Chikungunya symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, skin rashes, nausea, and joint and muscle pain. These symptoms generally manifest within a few days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Long-term effects include reduced mobility even after recovery.