Chikungunya

Earlier in May, a WHO delegation arrived in Karachi to gather information about the chikungunya virus to form a policy for its prevention. The disease has reached to Thatta, Mirpurkhas and now even to Thar. The delegation lamented on the dilapidated condition of health and sanitation and was surprised to know that a few doctors were not only unaware about the dirty conditions of hospitals but also about the symptoms of the disease. Sindh’s provincial capital, Karachi, has been witnessing a marked increase in the number of people falling victim to a debilitating disease caused by chikungunya, a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.

It is characterised by an abrupt onset of fever, frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. The joint pain is often very debilitating, and usually lasts for a few days or may be prolonged for weeks. Most people recover fully, with symptoms resolving in seven to 10 days. There is no specific vaccine or antiviral drugs for this infection, and the treatment is primarily symptomatic. The symptoms are often difficult to differentiate from dengue. Proper preventive measures, such as avoiding water storage in open containers, using mosquito netting and repellents, wearing protective clothes, keeping the surrounding area free from standing water and avoiding exposure during day time, should be taken by everyone.

Dr Zeeshan Khan

Lahore