What’s behind the unique identify?
Chikungunya is a virus that may be discovered in lots of areas of the world, together with Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Whereas we’re fairly protected from this virus in Canada, people who find themselves travelling to different nations ought to pay attention to this illness. Like Malaria and West Nile virus, it’s normally unfold to people by means of mosquito bites. The identify “Chikungunya” means “to develop into contorted” in a Tanzanian language, the place it was first recognized in 1952.
Chikungunya typically happens in heat and wet areas, as these present good situations for the kind of mosquitoes that unfold the illness. These mosquitoes usually chew in the course of the day and close to water sources. Chikungunya first appeared within the Caribbean in late 2013. By the top of 2017, there had been greater than 2.9 million instances. Throughout outbreaks, the virus can unfold in a short time, affecting as much as 75% of the native inhabitants. Many nations have additionally skilled outbreaks up to now 5 years, together with common locations resembling Mexico, Thailand, The Maldives, and Nigeria.
People who find themselves sick from the Chikungunya virus don’t normally die from the illness, however it may well typically go away some long-term points. As much as 30% of contaminated folks present no signs, however those that do typically expertise excessive fever and extreme joint ache within the arms and ft. Rash and eye issues may happen. Infants, older adults, and other people with sure medical situations could also be at larger threat for growing extreme illness. Though most individuals get better in seven to 10 days, joint ache and tiredness can final for years. Individuals affected by long-term results of Chikungunya infections are sometimes unable to face upright with out problem and ache, incessantly adopting a “contorted” posture that provides rise to the illness’s identify.
There is no such thing as a therapy for the Chikungunya virus other than relaxation, fluids, and ache relievers; due to this fact, prevention is the very best method. Correct use of mosquito safety measures—resembling mosquito repellant sprays, long-sleeved clothes, and mosquito nets—is vital to supply safety in opposition to Chikungunya. These measures may stop different mosquito-borne ailments resembling Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Zika virus. Just lately, a brand new Chikungunya vaccine that gives glorious safety in opposition to the virus has been authorised in Canada for people who find themselves liable to publicity to the illness. Will probably be accessible in late 2024.
For those who’re planning a visit, discuss to a doctor or schedule an appointment with a healthcare supplier who focuses on journey drugs. It’s best to schedule an appointment a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks earlier than your journey, as a result of some vaccines require a number of doses for full safety. Travellers with shorter timelines must also search recommendation. All of our Journey Clinic pharmacists are licensed by the Worldwide Society of Journey Drugs (ISTM). They’ll give you complete journey recommendation, plus vaccines and medicines to assist maintain you protected in your journey. Go to ldtravelclinics.ca for extra details about our London Medication Journey Clinics and for a listing of areas.