Amid a sudden increase in chikungunya cases in the national capital, health experts and government authorities have appealed to the people not to panic, saying the vector-borne disease is debilitating
Amid a sudden increase in chikungunya cases in the national capital, health experts and government authorities have appealed to the people not to panic, saying the vector-borne disease is debilitating but not life-threatening and have recommended measures to prevent mosquito-breeding.
According to experts, chikungunya is a viral illness and its symptoms are similar to those of dengue, which include high fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache and joint swelling. It also causes rashes in patients but is not a threat like dengue in which there is a risk of bleeding due to abrupt fall in platelet count.
“The joint pain lasts longer compared to dengue cases and the elderly especially find it extremely difficult. But people should not worry as it not a life-threatening disease like dengue,” said Dr Lalit Dar of the department of microbiology at AIIMS.
According to National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) director, Dr A. C. Dhariwal, the disease is caused by the same aedes aegypti mosquito which causes dengue but the difference is that dengue virus has four strains while chikungunya has only one.
Indian Medical Association (IMA) secretary general Dr K. K. Aggarwal said, “There is no need to panic since chikungunya is a non-fatal illness. Most patients suffering from it will feel better within a week. In some people however, the joint pain may persist for months. It is thus important to take necessary precautions against getting bitten by the aedes mosquito known to cause both chikungunya and dengue fever. People with medical conditions such as high BP, diabetes, or heart disease need to be extra cautious.” Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain has advised people against rushing to get admitted in hospitals and asked them not to resort to self-medication. North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has directed medical superintendents of its hospitals to make necessary arrangements for treatment of patients. Health experts claim there is no specific treatment for chikungunya. Admini-stration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and getting plenty of rest may be beneficial.
