Chikungunya: Transmission, Natural Treatment, and Prevention

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral infection that gets transmitted to humans by infected female mosquitoes, named Aedes aegypti and Aedes Albopictus. Chikungunya is a self-remitting febrile viral illness. Younger, Older and already sick people are at greater risk of having a more serious condition.

Symptoms of Chikungunya

Symptoms of chikungunya are similar to other diseases such as dengue. Its symptoms usually begin 3 to 7 days after being bitten by the infected mosquito. The most common symptoms of chikungunya are high fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms may include:

  1. Swelling in hand, finger, and foot joints
  2. Rashes
  3. Fatigue
  4. Nausea
  5. Complications of the gastrointestinal tract
  6. Sometimes there are complications in cases of the eye, brain, and heart.
  7. Headache

Pregnant women have similar symptoms to those of other people and infections which occurs during pregnancy will not result in transmission of virus to fetus.

Complications of Chikungunya

Neglecting the symptoms and not receiving proper and timely treatment of Chikungunya can lead to complicated results, which may include:

  • Uveitis
  • Retinitis
  • Hepatitis
  • Nephritis
  • Myocarditis
  • Hemorrhage
  • Meningoencephalitis
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Cranial nerve palsies

Transmission of Chikungunya

Chikungunya can get transmitted from humans to humans through the bites of the infected female mosquitos. The main species of disease-causing mosquitoes are females of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Mosquitos become infected when they feed on viremic nonhuman or human primates. These mosquitoes mainly bite during the day. After an infected mosquito bite, the onset of the disease usually takes 4 to 8 days but can occur from 2 to 12 days. Most of the patients fully recover from the symptoms of chikungunya but in some cases, symptoms such as cold, fever and joint pain may persist for several months or even years after the recovery.

Natural Treatment for Chikungunya

There are various natural remedies to treat and overcome the symptoms of chikungunya. These are safe, very easy to use and can be easily available. So, try the following natural remedies to fight against the disease without any adverse effect.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a highly effective remedy to reduce the pain and other symptoms caused by the Chikungunya virus. Curcumin, present in turmeric acts as a high anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps in reducing pain. For this, you can mix 1 teaspoon turmeric in a glass of warm milk and drink it daily for wonderful results.

2. Giloy

Giloy is a very effective natural herb that is used in various health problems. It has antibiotic and antibacterial properties and helps in the treatment of chikungunya. Giloy is immunomodulatory (Boost immunity power) in nature and it also has antipyretic activity (Helps in treating fever). After fully recovering from chikungunya, joint pain can persist in the patient, at that time Giloy is the best option. You can also make a decoction of Giloy stem and Neem peel or Basil leaves, it has very effective results in any type of fever. You can also make a decoction of Giloy stem with basil leaves.

3. Tulsi (Basil Leaves)

Tulsi leaves help to reduce fever and its anti-oxidant property enhances and strengthens the immune system. You can chew basil leaves twice a day or you can boil some basil leaves in water and drink it.

4. Coconut Water

Although Chikungunya is a self-limiting disease but in severe conditions, it can lead to liver infection. Coconut water has a natural and perfect balance of sodium and potassium which makes it an excellent choice for liver diseases. Coconut water helps in detoxification of liver and reduces the symptoms of chikungunya. You can drink 3-4 glasses of coconut water in a day.

5. Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that help fight pain and relieve Chikungunya patients. Peel the ginger and slice it into thin slices. Boil 1 cup water in a pan and add ginger slices. Cover the pan and steep this mixture for 10 mintues. Remove ginger slices and drink this tea on regular basis.

6. Sunflower Seeds and Honey

Sunflower seeds are rich in zinc and vitamin E which are essential for boosting the immune system. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties. So, consuming mixture of powdered sunflower seeds and honey helps in relieving joint pain associated with chikungunya.

7. Papaya Leaves

In chikungunya, the blood platelet count gets affected. Papaya leaf extract is highly recommended, since there is rapid fall in blood platelet count. Papaya leaf extracts have larvicidal properties against mosquito larvae that causes chikungunya. You can make juice of papaya leaves and drink two teaspoons in every three hours for best results.

8. Garlic Paste

Apply garlic paste with pepper on the joints, it will provide relief against the pain.

Preventive Measures for Chikungunya

As we all know that prevention is better than cure, so following preventive measures against chikungunya is always better. Prevention of Chikungunya includes the below points:-

  1. Cover yourself to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and minimize the skin exposure.
  2. Use mosquito repellent, especially those that contain natural ingredients as they are easily absorbed by the skin and are safe for children as well.
  3. Grow marigold and lemongrass in your surroundings and pots, these acts as a natural mosquito repellent because these plants carry essential oils.
  4. Check your surroundings by regularly discharging water, and using insecticides to destroy mosquitoes.
  5. Regular cleaning of standing water in buckets, gutters, and AC pens where mosquitoes can thrive.