ChikunGunya : A Disease on the Rise

I hope you're all doing well. Today, I want to discuss a sensitive and important topic with you all. Maybe my post will help someone avoid getting sick, which would be a great accomplishment for me.

Here in Pakistan a disease spreading rapidly these days called Chikungunya. Some of you might be aware of it, while others might not. In my area, many people have been affected by this disease, and hospitals are filled to capacity. I remember when this disease first appeared in Pakistan 4-5 years ago, and I was also affected by it during my pregnancy. It was a tough time because doctors couldn't give me heavy medication due to my pregnancy, so I had to rely on painkillers. It took me six months to recover, and during that time, many pregnant women suffered miscarriages.

Now that this disease has returned to Pakistan, specifically in Karachi, many people have been affected. My children are also suffering from this disease; first, my elder son, then my younger son, and now my daughter's condition is critical due to this illness. The main reason is that there's still no medicine or vaccine available for this disease after all these years. The joint pain is unbearable, and people can't even move without help. They need assistance with everything, even going to the bathroom, and they suffer from severe fever.

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Some people think that Chikungunya is caused by eating chicken, but that's not true at all. It's caused by mosquito bites, and it's a virus similar to dengue and malaria. However, Chikungunya is even more dangerous than those. It may go away after some time, but it leaves its impact on the body, especially joint pain, which persists in many people. This is more common in people who are older or have a weak immune system.

Let's discuss this topic in detail."

On one hand, the changing weather is causing respiratory issues, and on the other hand, deadly diseases like Chikungunya are spreading rapidly. Chikungunya is a viral infection that spreads through mosquito bites, similar to dengue. Often, when we experience body pain with fever, we assume it's just a viral infection and take medication without consulting a doctor, which can lead to severe consequences.

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The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes cause Chikungunya. The symptoms appear within 3-7 days, including high fever and body pain, swelling, rashes , vometing ,and especially in the joints pain . If you experience continuous fever above 103°C and unbearable joint pain, consult a doctor immediately. Two blood tests can diagnose the disease.

Although there's no effective treatment or vaccine for Chikungunya, it's crucial to take precautions. Patients should , stay hydrated and get complete bed rest. Applying cold compresses can reduce pain and swelling. Exercise, especially in the morning, can help alleviate symptoms.

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Chikungunya affects children and the elderly more severely. Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease need to be extra cautious. Most patients recover within a week with proper care, but joint pain can persist for months. Some patients may experience recurring fever.

Important precautions to prevent Chikungunya

• Wear full-sleeved clothes to prevent mosquito bites
• Keep windows and doors closed during peak mosquito hours
• Use mosquito nets or spray coils
• Avoid stagnant water around your living area
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene

Remember, Chikungunya does not spread from person to person, but only through mosquito bites. Take these precautions seriously to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Stay happy and Healthy

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