In Hyderabad, Chikungunya remains a significant viral illness that has seen an increase alongside dengue cases during the ongoing monsoon season in Telangana. Health experts are concerned that many cases of Chikungunya might be misdiagnosed as dengue or malaria because the symptoms are quite similar.
Currently, many people with fever and joint pain are being diagnosed with dengue. However, Chikungunya, which shares many symptoms with dengue, might also be the cause. This means that some patients could be suffering from Chikungunya and may need different treatments. Both dengue and Chikungunya are spread by the same mosquito species, Aedes aegypti. In southern states, another mosquito, Aedes albopictus, also carries the Chikungunya virus and poses a risk.
Symptoms and Incubation Period
When someone gets bitten by an infected mosquito, it usually takes 3 to 7 days for Chikungunya symptoms to appear. The common symptoms include fever, joint pain, and sometimes a rash. Most people with Chikungunya show symptoms, but in 3% to 25% of cases, the disease may not show any signs, according to the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).
Long-term Effects
Unlike dengue, which often resolves quickly with the right treatment, Chikungunya can lead to long-term issues. Many people who contract Chikungunya continue to experience joint pain and stiffness for months or even years after they have initially recovered.
High-Risk Groups
While healthy individuals typically recover from Chikungunya within a few weeks, those with certain health conditions are at higher risk for severe complications. This includes people with hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, pregnant women, those with thyroid problems, and individuals with conditions like TB, malaria, or HIV.
Children are also at a higher risk due to their developing immune systems. They may develop a rash shortly after being infected, but joint pain is less common in children compared to adults.
Overall, it’s crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to be aware of Chikungunya’s symptoms and ensure proper diagnosis and treatment to manage this disease effectively.
-Rashmi Kumari
