Chikungunya issues may even kill 3 months publish an infection, says examine; what to do

Vector-borne diseases are on rise world wide resulting from local weather modifications amongst different elements and their long-term issues must be studied as a way to develop efficient prevention methods. Chikungunya is one such rising risk which may proceed to have lethal implications even after three months of restoration from the an infection, as per a brand new analysis printed in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. (Also learn: Scientifically Speaking | The first chikungunya vaccine could be a game changer in global health)

Chikungunya virus is an arthropod-borne alphavirus which is transmitted by mosquitoes. One of its most distinguished negative effects is that it will possibly trigger extreme ache and different joint points within the physique. Chronic arthritis resulting from chikungunya virus develops in as much as roughly 60 per cent of contaminated people. It is transmitted by the mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Chikungunya is thought for extreme issues which may even trigger dying, particularly in aged. Currently no remedy for the an infection is out there though a vaccine is being developed in US.

As per the brand new Lancet analysis, individuals contaminated with chikungunya virus stay at elevated danger of dying from its issues for as much as three months post-infection. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) analysed virtually 150,000 recorded chikungunya infections utilizing information from the 100 million Brazilian Cohort. As per the examine, within the first week of the an infection, sufferers have been 8 occasions extra prone to die than unexposed people. They have been nonetheless twice as prone to die from issues at three months post-infection. These issues included cardiovascular circumstances reminiscent of ischemic coronary heart illness, metabolic and kidney illnesses, impartial of age group and intercourse.

What must be finished to keep away from chikungunya issues

“There lingering risks post-Chikungunya infection are concerning and shouldn’t be taken lightly. While the acute phase passes, complications such as arthritis, neurological issues, and even death can persist for up to three months. Vigilance is key in monitoring symptoms like joint pain, fever, and severe headaches. Patients must prioritize rest, hydration, and pain management, while seeking medical attention for any concerning developments. Preventative measures, including eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using repellents, remain paramount. Early detection and proper management is imperative in reducing the long-term burden of this often underestimated virus,” says Dr Nidhin Mohan, Consultant Internal Medicine, Narayana Health City, Bangalore.

“Elderly patients and those with pre-existing health problems like diabetes and hypertension are more at risk. Unlike dengue and other viral fevers chikungunya requires monitoring for 3 months or more as symptoms are chronic, historically chikungunya has low mortality but few studies which followed up patients over more than 3 months have shown a risk of death, many more studies are needed,” provides Dr Nidhin.

“Chikungunya, although not typically fatal, can lead to various complications, particularly in vulnerable populations. The risk of death may persist for up to three months after initial infection. Common complications include severe joint pain, arthritis-like symptoms, and neurological issues such as encephalitis. To prevent these complications, it’s crucial to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying indoors during peak mosquito activity times. Additionally, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest can help the body fight off the infection and reduce the risk of complications. It’s essential to seek medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms to receive appropriate treatment and monitoring,” says Dr Ashutosh Shukla, Medical Advisor and Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Max Hospital, Gurugram.