Chickengunya

December 22, 2020Articles5

Chickengunya is a viral illness transmitted by aedes mosquitoes characterized by sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain. Chickengunya word literally means “to walk bent”. Sign and symptoms usually appear within 2-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms –

• Joint pain is the main characteristic symptom of it. Pain might become severe in morning and on movement.

• Sudden onset of fever

• Fatigue

• Muscle pain

• Headache

• Skin rashes

Usually these symptoms improve within a week , however,occasionally the joint pain may last for months or years. The risk of death is around 1 in 1000.

Causes –

Chickengunya fever is caused by the spread of Chickengunya virus through the mosquitoes. The virus is spread between people by two types of mosquitoes –

• Aedes albopictus

• Aedes aegypti

These mosquitoes mainly bite during the day time.

Diagnosis –

Laboratory criteria includes a decreased lymphocyte count consistent with viremia. Diagnosis can be accomplished through viral isolation ,RT- PCR or serological diagnosis.

Prevention –

• As no approved vaccine exists,the most effective means of prevention are protection against contact with disease carrying mosquitoes and controlling mosquito population by limiting their habitat.

• Wear bite proof long sleeves and trousers.

• Stay in house secured screens on windows and doors.

Treatment –

Currently no specific treatment is available for it.

Supportive care is recommended and symptomatic treatment of fever and joint swelling includes the use of NSAIDs such as naproxen ,non – aspirin analgesics such as paracetamol and fluids.

Aspirin is not recommended due to increased risk of bleeding.

Ayurvedic Perspective –

Ancient Ayurveda describes a similar condition named Sandhik sannipatik jwara.

Ayurveda Therapies –

Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyanga with medicated oil like mahanarayan oil and Rasayan therapy with oral use of medications like Ashwagandha are used to rejuvenate the body.

Beneficial Herbs –

• Guduchi – It is tridosha shamak and acts as rasayan also to rejuvenate the body.

• Sunthi – It is anti-inflammatory as well as acts as painkiller.

• Tulsi – It has antiviral property to fight against virus of Chickengunya.

• Nimba – It act as blood purifier to fight with different allergies and rashes.

• Haridra – It acts as painkiller and anti-inflammatory properties to act against joint pain.

• Shallaki – It is best known medicine for joint pain.

•Ashwagandha – It gives strength to the body .

Effective Medications –

• Amritarhishta

• Maha sudarshan churna

• Dhanvantra gutika

• Tribhuvan Kirti Ras

• Tralokyachintamani Ras

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