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NDTV
13 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Fever May Be A Commonly Ignored Symptom Of Chikungunya; Here's How To Identify
Fever can often be a commonly ignored or misattributed symptom of chikungunya, especially during monsoon or outbreak seasons when other mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria are also prevalent. Since fever is a common sign in many infections, it's easy to overlook it as just a seasonal flu. However, chikungunya typically comes with a sudden high fever and is often accompanied by other distinct symptoms. Recognising these additional signs given below can help in timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing further complications or prolonged discomfort. Here's how to identify chikungunya besides fever 1. Severe joint pain One of the hallmark symptoms of chikungunya is intense joint pain and stiffness, often affecting the hands, wrists, ankles, and knees. The pain can be debilitating and may persist for weeks or even months after the fever subsides. This kind of joint discomfort is much more severe compared to typical viral infections and is a key distinguishing sign. 2. Muscle pain and body aches Muscle pain, fatigue, and overall weakness are common in chikungunya. The body ache is usually generalised and adds to the discomfort caused by joint stiffness. These symptoms can make daily tasks difficult and should raise a red flag, especially when paired with fever. 3. Skin rash Many chikungunya patients develop a red, patchy rash on the torso, limbs, or face. This rash can be itchy and usually appears 2–5 days after the onset of fever. While it may resemble rashes caused by other viruses, its timing and spread can help differentiate chikungunya. 4. Swelling and redness in joints Due to the inflammation triggered by the virus, visible swelling and redness around the joints may occur. This is often mistaken for arthritis but is more acute and sudden in chikungunya cases. It's an important clue, especially when paired with a history of mosquito exposure. 5. Headache and nausea Persistent headache, especially behind the eyes, along with nausea or vomiting can accompany chikungunya. These symptoms, although not specific, become more significant when seen with joint and muscle pain. 6. Conjunctivitis or eye redness Some individuals may develop mild conjunctivitis or red eyes, which is not common in all viral fevers. It adds another layer of distinction when diagnosing chikungunya. 7. Digestive disturbances Symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or vomiting may also be present in some cases. These gastrointestinal issues, although not universal, can support the clinical suspicion when combined with other chikungunya markers. 8. Low white blood cell count A blood test might show a drop in white blood cell count, though not as dramatic as in dengue. Lab confirmation through RT-PCR or IgM antibody testing helps confirm the diagnosis. 9. Recent mosquito exposure Chikungunya is spread by the Aedes mosquito, which is active during daylight hours. If a patient has been exposed to mosquito bites in a high-risk area or during monsoon season, it strengthens the likelihood of chikungunya being the cause of symptoms. Identifying chikungunya early by looking beyond the fever is essential for effective symptom management and recovery. When symptoms like joint pain, rash, and eye redness appear alongside fever, chikungunya should be strongly suspected, especially during mosquito-prone seasons. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
News18
2 days ago
- Health
- News18
Is It Just A Fever? Recognising The Warning Signs Of Chikungunya This Monsoon
Transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, the spread of chikungunya is accelerated by rapid urbanisation, poor sanitation, and improper water storage, which create ideal breeding grounds. Once considered a fading threat, chikungunya is making an unsettling return across several parts of India and beyond. The virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is no longer confined to seasonal outbreaks or tropical regions. Today, it's being fuelled by a complex mix of climate change, urban overcrowding, and increased human mobility. Doctors and public health experts are raising red flags as cases resurface in both familiar and new locations. ' Chikungunya is re-emerging mainly on account of climate change, vector proliferation, urban congestion and human mobility," warns Dr. Subhashree Samantaray, Consultant, Infectious Diseases & Adult Immunisation, Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall have expanded mosquito habitats, while rapid urbanisation, poor sanitation, and improper water storage in cities create ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes – the primary vectors for the virus. Further compounding the issue is the importation of the virus by infected travellers into new areas, especially where competent vectors like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are already active. The European CDC has already linked the 2025 resurgence of chikungunya to such international transmissions. What Are The Symptoms Of Chikungunya? The likelihood of relapse or recurrence varies based on individual, viral, and environmental factors. 'A relapse often occurs in immunocompromised or elderly individuals after apparent recovery," she explains. At the community level, factors such as stagnant water, low herd immunity, and ineffective mosquito control accelerate the spread. Prevention: The Missing Link in Public Health What's worrying public health officials is the ease with which chikungunya can rebound. 'Unlike some infectious diseases, it can't be shut down between places without sustained efforts," notes Dr. Samantaray. The solution lies in targeted mosquito control- eliminating breeding sites, using repellents and protective clothing, improving waste and water management, and conducting regular fogging in high-risk areas. Although two vaccines have received regulatory approvals in several countries, they are not yet widely available. 'The dosing and recommendations are still being standardised," she adds. With its dense population, irregular monsoons, and inconsistent sanitation, India remains particularly vulnerable. 'Storing water during supply gaps often leads to inadvertent breeding grounds," she points out. Unless prevention becomes a sustained public health priority, chikungunya is poised to stay and spread. As chikungunya re-emerges with new intensity, it's clear that controlling the disease will take more than seasonal fogging or reactive public health campaigns. Until vaccines become widely accessible and standardised, prevention remains the most powerful defence – starting at home, in neighbourhoods, and in the way we manage our water, waste, and wellness. view comments First Published: July 28, 2025, 18:02 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Canada News.Net
4 days ago
- Health
- Canada News.Net
WHO raises alarm over fast-spreading chikungunya virus
GENEVA, Switzerland: Health authorities are facing a resurgence of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, with new outbreaks emerging across continents and rising infections in Europe, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue an urgent global warning. Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, said an estimated 5.6 billion people in 119 countries now live in areas at risk of chikungunya, which can lead to high fever, intense joint pain, and, in some cases, long-term disability. "We are seeing history repeating itself," Rojas Alvarez told reporters in Geneva, drawing comparisons to the 2004–2005 epidemic that began on small Indian Ocean islands and eventually spread worldwide, affecting nearly half a million people. The current wave began in early 2025, once again hitting the islands of La Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius, areas that were among the first affected two decades ago. In La Reunion alone, about one-third of the population has already been infected, she said. From the islands, the virus has moved to parts of Africa, including Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya, and is now seeing epidemic-level transmission in South and Southeast Asia, including India. The growing number of imported cases in Europe and recent evidence of local mosquito-driven transmission have especially alarmed public health officials. Since May 1, France has recorded around 800 imported cases of chikungunya. More concerning, however, are twelve episodes of local transmission in southern regions of the country, meaning infections occurred from mosquitoes within France, rather than from travel abroad. Italy has also confirmed a locally transmitted case in the past week. Chikungunya is spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, including the day-biting tiger mosquito, which also transmits other illnesses such as dengue and Zika. The virus has no specific treatment, making prevention critical. WHO urges the use of insect repellents, long-sleeved clothing, and other protective measures to reduce mosquito bites and prevent outbreaks. WHO warns that without swift and coordinated action, the world could see a repeat of the global crisis that unfolded 20 years ago.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
BMC maps 3 high-risk areas to prevent dengue cases
1 2 3 Bhubaneswar: With the city reporting 174 dengue cases till Friday, up from 104 two weeks ago, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has mapped three high-risk zones — Patia, Chandrasekharpur and Nayapalli — to chalk out preventive strategies. Patia and Chandrasekharpur usually figure in the high-risk zones every year because of the presence of slums and mosquito breeding sources. "We destroyed around 10,000 mosquito breeding sources, more in the affected areas. Industrial clusters, parks and open spaces are also being covered. Aedes mosquitoes, which cause dengue, were found mostly in containers outside rather than in household samples, contrary to last year's trend," said city health officer Deepak Bisoyi. In 20 household samples, Aedes mosquitoes were found, while water samples in as many as 30 containers contained its larvae. BMC allayed fears by stating the test positivity rate was around 1.3% per 100 samples, which is not alarming. In July this year, more than 90 dengue cases were detected by BMC, which is far less than the figures from the same period last year. Last July, 249 cases were detected in Khurda district, of which 211 were in Bhubaneswar. BMC officials said they have not been able to carry out chemical fogging because of rain. "We will take up fogging very soon as the weather is expected to normalise in a day or two. All mosquito breeding sources have been destroyed," said Bisoyi. Earlier, the BMC wrote to industrial clusters, various offices, and agencies maintaining parks to take strict measures to demolish mosquito breeding sources. Industrial premises, parks and vacant spaces mostly turn into mosquito dens during the monsoon until Oct, officials said. "Clean water remaining stagnant in such places ultimately turn into mosquito larvae grounds," said the BMC officer. BMC officials said 100 more volunteers have been engaged, apart from regular personnel, improving surveillance. The volunteers focus on generating awareness and reducing mosquito breeding sources. The urban malaria surveillance unit (UMSU) has been overseeing the initiative, the BMC officer said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
‘Take guard against mosquito bites'
Kolkata: In the backdrop of growing fever cases, the school education department sent a circular to state schools, asking them to take precautionary measures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. The schools received a notice on Thursday, asking them to focus on regular cleaning of premises to prevent mosquito breeding and to educate students about safeguards. The circular said schools should ask students to wear full-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellent. The institutes were also asked to eliminate breeding sites of Aedes mosquitoes, like stagnant water in containers, flowerpots, or discarded items. School authorities were asked to monitor and keep track of suspected dengue cases, if any. Jadavpur Vidyapith has asked students to wear clothing that covers the arms and legs, and to immediately inform parents and seek medical attention if they feel feverish and have symptoms like severe headache, muscle pain, or rashes. Headmaster Partha Pratim Baidya said, "We have asked students to watch out for and remove stagnant water." You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Children Welfare Association School's headmistress Sarbari Sengupta said they will hold an awareness drama next week to educate students about preventive measures, while focusing on regular campus cleaning. "We have asked students to wear full-sleeved uniforms," she said. Jodhpur Park Boys' School headmaster Amit Sen Majumder said they regularly clean the campus but waterlogging is a concern. "I will write to the local councillor to clean drains to prevent waterlogging on the campus. "
