What is chikungunya virus as China introduces Covid-like restrictions?
Covid-like restrictions have been introduced in China as another fast-spreading virus is sweeping the country. More than 7,000 cases of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) have been reported in the Guangdong province since July, according to the BBC.
Foshan city is seeing the worst of the mosquito-borne virus, which causes fever and serious joint pain that can last for years after the patient has contracted the disease. Patients with the condition are being isolated in hospital beds protected with mosquito nets, and they can be discharged after either a negative test or a week-long stay.
Several other Chinese cities have reported cases of the virus, which can only be spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Officials have announced that all reported cases have been mild so far, with 95 per cent of the patients discharged from hospital within seven days.
But as chikungunya virus makes headlines, questions are rising on exactly what this disease is, and how dangerous it is to human life. So, what is chikungunya virus, what are its symptoms, and how is it spread?
Here's everything you need to know.
What is chikungunya virus?
Chikungunya virus is a disease spread through infected mosquitos, and outbreaks are common in South and South East Asia, as well as parts of Africa.
It was first detected in Tanzania in 1952, and spread to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia, according to the BBC.
It has been reported in more than 110 countries.
Other countries that have seen large outbreaks of CHIKV include:
the Indian Ocean islands
India
the Pacific islands
the Caribbean
Central America
South America
When bitten by an infected mosquito, most patients will develop symptoms within three to seven days.
Patients typically feel better within one week, but more serious cases of chikungunya can cause the joint pain can last for months or years after the bite.
As with many conditions, those at risk for more severe symptoms include new-borns, the elderly, and those who live with existing medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
There is no cure for the condition, but deaths are very rare.
It cannot be spread from person to person, and can only be contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Has chikungunya virus been found in the UK?
According to Gov.uk, the virus is not transmitted in the UK, and any cases found previously have been related to travel.
Those travelling to countries where the virus is common may be offered a vaccine ahead of their trip.
What are the symptoms of CHIKV?
Chikungunya symptoms include:
fever of abrupt onset
severe joint pains (known as arthralgia)
muscle pains (known as myalgia)
headaches
sensitivity to light (known as photophobia)
skin rashes
Anyone with symptoms in China is advised to go directly to a hospital for testing, and those positive for CHIKV will be held in Covid-like isolation for a week.
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