Chikungunya: An Emerging Public Health Concern

Abstract

Purpose of Review The worldwide spread of chikungunya over the past two decades calls for greater knowledge and awareness of the virus, its route of transmission, methods of diagnosis, and the use of available treatment and prevention measures. Recent Findings Chikungunya virus infection, an Aedes mosquito-borne febrile disease, has spread from Africa and Asia to Europe and the Americas and from the tropics and subtropics to temperate regions. International travel is a pivotal influence in the emergence of chikungunya as a global public health threat, as evidenced by a growing number of published reports on travel-related chikungunya infections. The striking features of chikungunya are arthralgia and arthritis, and the disease is often mistaken for dengue. Although mortality is low, morbidity can be profound and persistent. Current treatment for chikungunya is supportive; chikungunya vaccines and therapeutics are in development. Travelers planning to visit areas where the mosquito vectors are present should be advised on preventive measures. Summary Chikungunya is an emerging disease in the Americas. Frequent travel, the presence of at least two competent mosquito species, and a largely naïve human population in the Western Hemisphere create a setting conducive to future outbreaks. Awareness of the disease and its manifestations is critical to effectively and safely manage and limit its impact. Vaccines in late-stage clinical trials offer a new pathway to prevention.

Growth in chikungunya virus-related research in ASEAN and South Asian countries from 1967 to 2022 following disease emergence: a bibliometric and graphical analysis

“…Meanwhile, to treat the infections, there are several pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches have been developed. Systematic changes in lifestyle such as dietary adjustments, adequate fluid consumption, physiotherapy, and enough bed rest are examples of non-pharmacologic interventions, that are essential to supporting the work of the immune system in combating the virus [154][155][156]. On the other hand, pharmacologic therapies use medications to treat symptoms, such as joint pain and fever [106,157].…”

Congenital Chikungunya Virus Infections

“…49 Most outbreaks in the tropics occur during rains. 11 The CHIKV may rarely be transmitted by blood products. 50,51 The chikungunya (CHIK) viremia can precede the onset of symptoms and disappears after 6-7 days of illness.…”

A review of entomopathogenic fungi as a potential tool for mosquito vector control: A cost‐effective and environmentally friendly approach

“…Chikungunya is a virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes that causes severe joint pain and fever. The prevalence of this disease has increased in recent years in many regions, including Asia and the Americas (Mourad et al 2022). Yellow fever is spread by Aedes mosquitoes in cities, and by Haemagogus or Sabethes mosquitoes in the jungle.…”