Chikungunya Disease or Mosquito-borne Joint Pain Fever is a viral infection caused by the chikungunya virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. This virus has been found in many countries, including Thailand, especially in the southern region, where outbreaks are common during the rainy season.
Warning Signs of Chikungunya Disease
- High fever
- Rash
- Bone or joint pain
- Headache
- Eye socket pain
In addition to these symptoms, patients may experience itching or conjunctival injection (red eyes), but bleeding spots in the white of the eyes are rare. In adults, besides severe joint pain, arthritis may also occur, mostly in small joints such as wrists and ankles. Joint pain can affect multiple joints and shift locations (migratory polyarthritis). The pain can be so severe that sometimes joint movement is impossible. Symptoms usually resolve within 1-12 weeks, but some patients may experience joint pain again within 2-3 weeks later, and in some cases, joint pain may persist for months or years. Petechiae (small bleeding spots) may appear on the skin, but no cases of severe shock have been reported.
Diagnosis of Chikungunya Virus Infection
Initially, diagnosis is based on the patient’s symptoms and clinical signs. Laboratory diagnosis involves testing for viral genetic material from the blood of patients with fever during the first 2-4 days or detecting immune response or antibodies in the patient’s serum. Rapid tests such as ELISA (Immunofluorescence) can be done on the 5th day of illness or fever, and antibody quantification tests can be performed in the second week of illness.
Is Chikungunya Disease Treatable?
Generally, there is no specific treatment. Most care is supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids and symptomatic treatment like antipyretics, pain relievers for joint pain, and rest. Avoiding mosquito bites is important to prevent the spread of the virus.
Because There Is No Specific Treatment, “Prevention” Is Crucial
Since the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, the best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent, installing mosquito screens, avoiding areas with outbreaks, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites by keeping homes clean, removing garbage, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Dr. Phot Intalapaporn
Specialist in Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Subspecialist
References
- Sujitra Nimmannit. Chikungunya Infection. In: Sirisak Warintarawat, Kamnuan Ungchusak, Chamaiphan Santikan, Narumol Silarak, Prawit Chumkasian, Ong-art Charoensuk, et al., editors. Weekly Disease Surveillance Report. Vol. 27 No. 7. February 16, 1996. Bangkok: Express Parcel and Cargo Organization; 1996. p. 77-87.
- Lakkhana Thaikrua, Ong-art Charoensuk, Sunthorn Rianphumikarnkit, Prasert Ditsomboon, Rasamee Phonchan, Anan Nisalak. Chikungunya Disease in Thailand and Investigation and Study of the Disease in Nong Khai Province, 1995-1997. Epidemiology Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, Medical Science Center, Royal Thai Army Medical Department. Photocopy document.
- Sunthorn Rianphumikarnkit. Investigation Report of Fever with Rash and Joint Pain in Seka District, Nong Khai Province, June 1 to August 11, 1995. Epidemiology Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health. 1995. Photocopy document.
- Lakkhana Thaikrua, Ong-art Charoensuk. Chikungunya Disease: Is It Really a Re-emerging Infectious Disease? In: Sirisak Warintarawat, Kamnuan Ungchusak, Chamaiphan Santikan, Narumol Silarak, Prawit Chumkasian, Ong-art Charoensuk, et al., editors. Weekly Disease Surveillance Report. Vol. 27 No. 16. April 19, 1996. Bangkok: Express Parcel and Cargo Organization; 1996. p. 193-203.
- Lakkhana Thaikrua, Ong-art Charoensuk. Chikungunya Disease: Is It Really a Re-emerging Infectious Disease? In: Sirisak Warintarawat, Kamnuan Ungchusak, Chamaiphan Santikan, Narumol Silarak, Prawit Chumkasian, Ong-art Charoensuk, et al., editors. Weekly Disease Surveillance Report, Epidemiology Division. Vol. 27 No. 17. April 26, 1996. Bangkok: Express Parcel and Cargo Organization; 1996. p. 205-218.
