Chikungunya: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Chikungunya is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. The name "chikungunya" is derived from a word in the Kimakonde language, meaning "to become contorted" or "to walk bent over," which describes the stooped appearance of those infected due to severe joint pain. 1. Causes and Transmission : Chikungunya is caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which belongs to the Alphavirus genus of the Togaviridae family. The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are also responsible for the transmission of other diseases, such as dengue fever and Zika virus. 2. Symptoms : The incubation period of chikungunya ranges from 2 to 12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, rash, and swollen ...