About this topic
Chikungunya fever causes very bad joint and muscle pain. This illness is passed on by infected mosquitoes. The mosquitoes have white stripes on their bodies and legs. These mosquitoes are more active during the day, often in the early morning and late afternoon. Signs of this illness often start 3 to 7 days after a bite. Signs may last for a few days to a few weeks. It is also possible for one person to pass this infection to others. ‚
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What are the causes?
Chikungunya fever is caused by a virus. You may get this infection after being bitten by an infected mosquito. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
This illness is more common in some parts of the world than in others. Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Indian islands are all places where this illness is common. There are more mosquitoes in the rainy season and where there is standing water. Babies and older adults are more likely to be sick. So are people with weak immune systems or those with long term illnesses. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- Very bad joint pain
- Headache
- Backache
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Rash
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will ask about your history and do an exam. The doctor may look for skin lesions, rashes, and ulcers. The doctor may also check your limbs and joints for swelling and pain. You may need to have tests like: ‚
- Blood tests
- Lumbar puncture
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There is no specific treatment for this illness. The doctor will treat your signs and keep you comfortable. You may need drugs and extra fluids. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Some people get joint swelling that does not go away. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Keep fluid levels up in your body
- Lower fever
- Ease headaches
- Help with pain and swelling
What problems could happen?
- Brain infection
- Kidney problems
- Heart problems
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Get rid of areas where mosquitoes like to breed. ‚
- Empty unused swimming pools.
- Dump out water that may collect in tires, buckets, or containers.
- Clean or unclog roof gutters.
- Clear your yard of dead trees to remove insects that live in them.
Protect yourself. ‚
- Use mosquito repellent on your skin.
- Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
- Avoid unnecessary activities outside your house.
- Place wire screens in your house windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from going in.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/pdfs/CHIKV_FACT%20SHEET_CDC_General%20Public_cleared.pdf ‚
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ‚
http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/healthtopics/Documents/Chikungunya_Fever_Factsheet_for_the_General_Public.pdf ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/145/viewAbstract ‚
World Health Organization ‚
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs327/en/# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚