
Chikungunya Virus: A New Global Health Concern
The Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) is rapidly sweeping across cities in China, and is also appearing in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and other parts of Asia. Despite being less fatal than COVID-19, CHIKV has already affected millions of individuals globally, leading to the enforcement of home-based quarantines and the use of drones in densely populated regions.
As the number of infections continues to rise, China is taking robust measures to control the virus, but the disease has now been detected in several other countries. If you're just learning about this illness or are curious about how it spreads and where it has been found, here's a comprehensive rundown of everything you need to know about the Chikungunya virus.
Understanding the Chikungunya Virus
The Chikungunya virus is responsible for the viral disease known as Chikungunya. This disease poses a significant risk to travelers visiting certain destinations, including China. The virus was first discovered during an outbreak in Tanzania in 1952 and remained largely confined to certain areas of Africa and Asia for many years.
Now, however, the virus has found its way into new territories and is affecting thousands of people globally. Over 7,000 cases have been reported in the Guangdong province of China since July, with the city of Foshan being the most impacted. Infections have also been reported in at least 12 other cities across the province.
Unlike COVID-19, CHIKV is not contagious and approximately 95 percent of hospitalized patients are discharged within a week. Although it's not usually fatal, travelers to China are being advised to be extra cautious due to the outbreak.
How is the Chikungunya Virus Transmitted?
The Chikungunya virus is spread primarily by infected female mosquitoes, which can also transmit other diseases such as dengue and Zika. Individuals are typically bitten during daylight hours, both indoors and outdoors. Eggs are laid by these mosquitoes in containers holding stagnant water, such as plant pots and bins.
If an infected mosquito bites a person, the virus can develop over several days. Once the disease has developed, the mosquito can then transmit the virus to a new human host through a bite, allowing the cycle to continue.
Where Has the Chikungunya Virus Been Detected?
The Chikungunya virus has been found in a number of countries across the globe. Last week, cases of the disease were confirmed in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In Europe specifically, cases have been reported in countries such as Italy and France. Other countries reporting imported cases include Madagascar and the Seychelles, suggesting a more widespread presence of Chikungunya in the Indian Ocean region.
Over 34,000 CHIKV cases have been reported from several Asian countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Pakistan, and China. In Africa, cases have been reported from countries like Senegal and Kenya. Countries in the Americas and the Caribbean that have reported zero cases include the Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Grenada, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Canada. On the other hand, countries with the highest number of CHIKV cases include Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru.
Symptoms of Chikungunya Virus
Individuals infected by the Chikungunya virus will begin to show symptoms of the infection within three to seven days of being bitten. Initial symptoms typically include high fever and severe joint pain, which may then be followed by muscle pain, headaches, light sensitivity, and characteristic skin rashes.
Actions Taken by China Against the Chikungunya Virus
Residents of the Guangdong province in China face heavy fines if they fail to eliminate stagnant water from their properties, a known breeding ground for mosquitoes. Drones are being used to enforce these strong measures aimed at halting the spread of the disease. In addition, the release of larger 'elephant mosquitoes' and larvae-eating fish has been approved in the hopes that they will consume the smaller, Chikungunya-spreading insects.
Individuals and travelers from Foshan were previously asked to undertake a 14-day home quarantine similar to those used during pandemics. However, this measure has since been lifted.