Chikungunya virus is now spreading rapidly in southern China. In reaction, public health officials are sounding alarms about the contagious disease. Chikungunya was first isolated from humans in Tanzania in 1952. Since then, it has spread to more than 110 countries, wreaking havoc on animal and human health with outbreaks primarily in Southeast Asia and Africa. The virus is spread by the bite of infected female mosquitoes, which are most active during the day.
Health advocates are urging them to be more informed. Symptoms typically develop between 3 to 7 days post infection with a bite from an infected mosquito. One, that the virus spreads person to person. There can be severe consequences thriving among those most vulnerable populations, particularly those 65 years and older and those with preexisting conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Newborns are at a higher risk from the effects of this virus.
Understanding Chikungunya Transmission
Chikungunya is primarily spread by two species of mosquitoes: the dengue mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito. These insects are well adapted to tropical and subtropical ecosystems, so areas such as South China are vulnerable to outbreaks. The health advisory currently advises that mosquitoes transmitting the chikungunya virus have been detected in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait. This finding highlights the need for a greater awareness and attention to these areas.
Infected female mosquitoes pass the virus to humans when they bite. This new mode of transmission underscores the importance of taking preventative action, especially now. This is critically important to the residents of, and those passing through, the impacted areas. Public health campaigns encourage individuals to eliminate standing water around their homes, where mosquitoes breed, and to use repellents to reduce exposure to bites.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Chikungunya symptoms are indistinguishable from many other viral infections. Potential side effects similar to those of dengue include fever, arthralgia, myalgia, headache, nausea, asthenia and rash. These symptoms usually develop within a week of being bitten by a mosquito that is infected. Until then, the majority of patients fully recover within just one week. Others may go on to experience chronic arthritis — joint pain that can last for multiple months or even years.
In those cases, the disease represents a greater risk to certain populations. Individuals over 65 years of age face heightened risks, as do those with underlying health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart conditions. Newborns—those less than 28 days old—are especially susceptible. As such, caregivers should practice greater care to ensure their newborns are protected from mosquito bites.
Public health officials encourage communities to be aware of chikungunya symptoms. If you develop any associated symptoms following possible exposure, it’s important to get care right away.
Vaccination Efforts
Due to the increasing number of chikungunya cases and public health concerns, development of vaccines have progressed at an unprecedented rate. As of now, two of these vaccines have received emergency authorization in the U.S., UK and other select countries. Either way, these vaccines are a historical turning point in the fight against chikungunya. They provide promise for stopping the next outbreak and these drugs can make people’s case less severe.
Though vaccination efforts are still changing and adapting, public health experts emphasize that prevention is still the best medicine. They advise that the best way to prevent bites is wearing long-sleeved clothing. In addition, sleep under mosquito nets during the day and at night if you’re in an area where chikungunya is circulating. Educating the community about the disease and its symptoms is important for raising awareness and ensuring a timely response.
