Chikungunya is a viral disease that spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and is very common during the monsoon season. Unhygienic conditions such as stagnant water, open pots, poor drainage system or clogged drains and discarded tyres are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
When we spoke to Dr Ravi Shankarji, MD, MBBS, Internal Medicine, Apollo Spectra Hospital about the symptoms, he said that while some of the symptoms may be similar to other mosquito-borne diseases, it can be differentiated based on the severity of the condition. Even though Chikungunya manifests as a high fever and rash, the condition leads to arthritis, which is the most dreaded and worrisome aspect of the disease. There are a few factors involved in the transition from the acute form of Chikungunya to chronic arthritic Chikungunya.
Immunity is strong: The Chikungunya virus triggers an immune response that attacks the body’s own cells. This auto-immunogenic response particularly affects the joints, resulting in symptoms of inflammation and pain. The persistent immune response leads to chronic arthritis in most patients.
Inflammation of the joints: In the acute phase, the virus causes infection of cells in the joint tissue and lesions. Reactions will occur to induce inflammation, which in some cases can become chronic causing persistent pain and stiffness in normal joints. Inflammation can cause swelling in the joints, which impedes movement of areas prone to developing arthritis.
Genetic problems: Genetic factors probably play a role in determining who will develop chronic arthritis after infection with the virus. Some people with certain genetic makeups are more susceptible to long-term joint problems.
Viral infection reactivation: Sometimes the Chikungunya virus can remain dormant in the body and can quickly become active, causing persistent arthritis and joint pain. This reactivation can result in the progression of the arthritis associated with the disease and thus it can become chronic. Arthritis after Chikungunya permanently affects the patient’s quality of life in severe cases. Thus, the indicated persistent pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints can limit daily functioning, reduce the range of motion and affect the quality of life. Some people may have problems even with the simplest movements, for example, walking, climbing stairs or holding an object. It can also cause some psychological effects including anxiety and depression due to persistent discomfort and incapacity.
Chikungunya can be reduced to a great extent and the complications of chronic arthritis can be minimized by following preventive measures like using mosquito repellent products at home or workplace, keeping the environment clean and hygienic and avoiding water-logging places. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle like consuming nutritious foods and physical activities like walking and yoga can improve overall health.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
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