THE Chikungunya fever is a disease caused by a virus and transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes: A. albopictus or THE. eegypti. This last species is also related to the transmission of dengue, another extremely serious viral disease that affects many people in our country.
Chikungunya is a disease that does not choose people by age, skin color or gender, it can affect any individual. Symptoms, however, are more intense in children and the elderly. In pregnant women, the greatest risks lie in the fact that the disease can lead to miscarriage.
Chikungunya fever is very similar to dengue fever, therefore, a lot of attention is needed by doctors at the time of diagnosis. Here are the main symptoms that can appear in a person with this disease:
→ Sudden-onset high fever that usually reaches more than 39 degrees;
→ Severe pain in the joints;
→ Headaches;
→ Muscle aches;
→ Back pains;
→ Nausea and vomiting;
→ Spots on the skin;
The main difference between dengue fever and Chikungunya fever is that the latter causes severe pain in the joints, which can last for months and even years.. The name of the disease means "those who bend" and is a reference to joint pain that prevents the person from moving normally.
There is no specific treatment for Chikungunya fever., therefore, only the symptoms are treated. It is recommended to use acetaminophen for fever and some anti-inflammatory drugs for joint pain. As with dengue, it is important to hydrate the patient and not use medicines that contain acetylsalicylic acid.
It is believed that a person who has been exposed to Chikungunya once is not at risk of developing the disease again. This means that those affected develop immunity against the virus.
Because it is transmitted by the same mosquito, the ways to prevent the disease are the same as for dengue. Therefore, we must not forget to clean and cover the water tanks; clean the gutters; do not leave water in potted plants; cover any container that accumulates water and draw water from plants such as bromeliads.
ATTENTION: When you feel the symptoms described in this text, seek medical attention immediately and strictly follow the guidelines. Although deaths are rare, if the disease is not treated properly, they can occur.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
