CHIKUNGUNYA: THE OUTBREAK OF CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER

In the present era chikungunya is playing havoc in many parts of our country. Chikungunya virus is an alpha virus closely related to the onyong nyong virus the ross river virus in Australia, and the viruses that cause eastern euine encephalitis and western equine encephalitis. The present paper enumerates nature, treatment options, symptoms and diagnosis of the disease.

KAUL, SHEFALI ¹; DWIVEDI, SUMEET²AND DUBEY, RAGHVENDRA²

1, Q.C. Deptt., Plethico Pharma Ltd., Indore, Madhya Pradesh-India

2, Chordia Institute of Pharmacy, Indore, Madhya Pradesh-India

ABSTRACT

In the present era chikungunya is playing havoc in many parts of our country. Chikungunya virus is an alpha virus closely related to the onyong nyong virus the ross river virus in Australia, and the viruses that cause eastern euine encephalitis and western equine encephalitis. The present paper enumerates nature, treatment options, symptoms and diagnosis of the disease.

Corresponding Author

Sumeet Dwivedi

AG-184, Sch No. 54

Indore, M.P.- India

Mob. No.-09893478497

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INTRODUCTION

Chikungunya is an Africian word meaning doubling up or bend over.  The name is derived from the makonde word meaning "that which bends up" in reference to the stooped posture developed as a result of the arthritic symptoms of the disease. Marion Robinson and W.H.R. Lumsden first described the disease in 1955. Chikungunya is caused by alpha viruses and transmitted by Aedes aegypti, culex fatigans and mansonia mosquitoes. The virus was first isolated from human in Tanzania during 1953-54. These viruses are isolated from humans, cattle's, horse and other domestic animals. The name chikungunya has lead to a misconception about the disease that it spreads by consumption of chicken.

EPIDEMOLOGY

Chikungunya virus is an alpha virus closely related to the onyong nyong virus the ross river virus in Australia, and the viruses that cause eastern euine encephalitis and western equine encephalitis. The Aedes aegypti mosquito biting human flesh. Chikungunya is generally spread through bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, but recent research by the Pasteur Institute in Paris suggested that chikungunya virus strains from the 2005-2006 Reunion Island outbreak incurred a mutation that facilitated transmisson by Aedes aegypti  (Tiger mosquito). Concurrent studies by arbovirologists at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston Texas confirmed definitively that enhanced chikungunya virus infection of Aedes albopictus was caused by a point mutation in one of the viral envelope genes (E1). Enhanced transmission of chikungunya virus by Aedes albopictus could mean an increased risk for chikungunya outbreaks in other areas where the Asian tiger mosquito is present. A recent epidemic in Italy was likely perpetuated by Aedes albopictus.

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