Chikungunya symptoms: everything on this virus transmitted by mosquitoes

The cases of travelers with the chikungunya virus began to climb in Europe. For example, Asia, while certain countries like France are already compiling a handful of deaths this year; Here is what you need to know about this virus transmitted by mosquitoes.

What is the chikungunya virus? – Chikungunya symptoms: everything this virus

The chikungunya virus is an infection transmitted by mosquitoes which can cause symptoms similar to those of Zika. Similarly, dengue, which makes its diagnosis difficult, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Chikungunya can notably cause a fever. For example, joint pain or even tumor of the joints, which can be particularly disabling and last long, can be read.

Where are the wearing mosquitoes for chikungunya? – Chikungunya symptoms: everything this virus

Mosquitoes carrying Chikungunya. However, “Aedes Aegypti” and “Aedes Albopictus”, are not present in Quebec, but the disease is still monitored in the territory chikungunya symptoms: everything this virus since 2014, while several cases have already been diagnosed after trips abroad, according to the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (Inspq).

For the moment. Consequently, the mosquitoes carrying this virus are present in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Central America, which includes Mexico, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands and the Southeast of the United States, according to the Government of Canada’s site.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of chikungunya appear between 2 to 12 days after the mosquito bite. and often start with a “sudden appearance” fever, often accompanied by severe and “very disabling” joint pain, according to WHO.

These pains chikungunya symptoms: everything this virus can last between a few days and several years, can be read.

Other listed symptoms include tumoring of joints, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and rashes.

The majority of cases are completely recovered and, in the absence of pain, infection can go unnoticed. But in some occasional cases. the disease can also lead to eye, neurological and cardiac complications, especially in infants and infected elderly, specifies WHO.

What are the treatments against chikungunya?

There is no specific antiviral drug to cure chikungunya. which is treated in particular using antipyretics, a type of medication that helps to counter fever, pain relievers adapted to joint pain and rest.

However. there are two vaccines to prevent chikungunya in populations at risk, but vaccines are not yet widely available and their use is not generalized, according to WHO.

In Canada. the use of a vaccine is approved for people who go to destinations chikungunya symptoms: everything this virus where the chikungunya virus is present.

How to prevent chikungunya?

If you plan to travel to a region where mosquitoes carrying the disease are present. it is recommended to:

• Be vaccinated against the virus. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. go to a health-noding clinic at least 6 weeks before departure, according to the Government of Canada;
• Wearing long and pale color clothes to minimize skin exposure to mosquitoes, according to the Inspq;
• To use repulsive products against mosquitoes that can be applied to clothing and on the discovery parts of the skin. Products must contain deet. IR3535 or icaridine, according to the WHO;
• Limit access to mosquitoes inside the place of residence with mosquito nets or keeping the closed windows;
• To use mosquito nets impregnated with insecticide during the day to protect those who sleep during the period when mosquitoes bite the most, according to the chikungunya symptoms: everything this virus WHO.