Latest news with #Chikungunya
First Post
5 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Why Dengue, Chikungunya May Soon Become Endemic in Europe Vantage with Palki Sharma
Why Dengue, Chikungunya May Soon Become Endemic in Europe | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G Why Dengue, Chikungunya May Soon Become Endemic in Europe | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G Dengue and chikungunya, once tropical diseases, may soon become endemic in Europe due to climate change. The invasive tiger mosquito, which transmits both viruses, is expanding northward and now inhabits over a dozen European countries. In 2024 alone, 304 dengue cases were reported in the EU—surpassing the total from the previous 15 years combined. See More
Saba Yemen
5 days ago
- Health
- Saba Yemen
Study: Reveals How Viral Infection Turns Your Joints into Source of Chronic Pain
Washington - (Saba): A recent scientific study has revealed that the mysterious mechanism by which the chikungunya virus causes chronic joint pain closely resembles autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Although most cases resolve spontaneously within one to two weeks, approximately 30-40% of patients may suffer from chronic joint pain that lasts for months or even years, with some potentially developing rheumatoid-like arthritis. Chikungunya virus is the virus that causes chikungunya disease (CHIKV), an acute infection transmitted to humans through the bites of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the two species responsible for transmitting dengue fever. The disease is characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms, including a high fever and severe joint pain, particularly in the extremities, accompanied by a rash, muscle pain, and headache. The results of a new study, published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, pave the way for a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between this viral infection and autoimmune diseases. The study, conducted by a team from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, analyzed blood samples from patients exposed to chikungunya in Colombia. The researchers tracked the behavior of immune cells, particularly CD4+ helper T cells, in combating the virus. What surprised the research team was the discovery that these cells—and not CD8+ killer T cells, as expected—led the fight against the virus and persisted in the body for years after the infection cleared. The data show that 87% of patients retained these cells in their blood six years after the initial infection, while killer cells were detected in only 13% of cases. Even more striking is that these helper cells switch to a "monofunctional" pattern, essentially secreting the inflammatory molecule TNF-alpha continuously, even after the virus has been eliminated. This abnormal behavior of immune cells closely resembles what we see in autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy body tissue. "We would normally expect to see this pattern of immune response in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, not in viral infections," says Dr. Daniela Weisskopf, lead researcher of the study. This discovery provides a compelling scientific explanation for why many patients suffer from chronic joint pain that can persist for years after contracting the virus. These findings are particularly important in light of the widespread spread of the virus in more than 110 countries, and the similarity of its symptoms to other conditions such as "long COVID" and the long-term effects of dengue fever. They also open the door to developing more precise treatments that target these specific inflammatory pathways, and perhaps the use of TNF-alpha inhibitors, which have proven effective in some autoimmune diseases. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Dengue, Chikungunya cases drop in southern K'taka
Mysuru: As compared to previous years, dengue and Chikungunya cases came down drastically during the pre-monsoon season this year in the south Karnataka districts. This took the burden off the health department. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Generally, the Old Mysuru and other southern districts record a large number of dengue and Chikungunya cases after a few spells of rain in April and May. According to the health and family welfare department data, between Jan 1 and May 21, 2025, Mysuru district recorded 15 cases. A total of 359 blood samples were collected for analysis during this period. So far, the district recorded no dengue-related deaths. Chamarajanagar (4), Mandya (9), Shivamogga (53), Hassan (12), Chikkamagaluru (10), and Kodagu district recorded just two cases of dengue fever during the period. Last year, these districts recorded a large number of dengue cases. Between Jan 1 and May 20, Mysuru district had recorded 252 dengue cases. Similarly, Chamarajanagar (43), Mandya (125), Shivamogga (118), Hassan (125), Chikkamagaluru (116), and Kodagu district recorded 58 cases. Last year, during the period, Mysuru district recorded 69 Chikungunya cases. However, this year it has come down to 38. Mysuru DHO PC Kumaraswamy attributed the multi-pronged strategy adopted by the health department as the key reason for the drastic fall in dengue cases in the district. "We are observing Fridays as dry days across the district. It is an anti-larvae measure. We released Gambusia (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia reticulata (Guppy) fish species in 1,000 waterbodies across the district to contain the mosquito menace," he said. "Even if a single dengue case is reported, we screen all people in the entire village and conduct an awareness drive. All our interventions yielded good results," he explained.
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Chikungunya scare grips Odisha's Podia village
MALKANGIRI: At least 235 people in Podia village, around 70 km from Malkangiri town, have reportedly developed symptoms of Chikungunya, sparking panic among the rural population of the region. The affected villagers have complained of swelling and pain in joints, limbs, headache and severe weakness. A medical team from the district headquarters hospital visited Podia on Monday and collected blood samples from the symptomatic villagers. On Tuesday, more medical teams were dispatched to Podia to conduct further testing. Sources said samples have been collected from 125 villagers. Chief district medical officer of Malkangiri Dr Braja Bandhu Dash told TNIE that the situation is under control. Health teams have set up camps in Podia to examine and treat the affected residents.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
High mosquito density may lead to dengue outbreak, say experts
Nagpur: Public health experts warn that the high mosquito density in the city could trigger a major dengue outbreak in the coming weeks, especially since monsoon is expected to arrive as early as the first week of June. According to a survey conducted by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) in March this year, mosquito density in Nagpur soared to an average house index of 49.76%, far above the permissible limit of 10%. Experts say the high density could set the stage for a dengue surge once the rains begin. "Last year, chikungunya overwhelmed the city as soon as the monsoon arrived and dengue took a back seat. With many people having developed immunity to chikungunya, dengue could dominate this year," said infectious disease specialist Dr Nitin Shinde. Dengue cases have seen a dramatic increase in the city in the last few years, except for a dip in 2024, likely due to the Chikungunya wave. "With mosquito density nearing 50%, it's not a question of whether dengue cases will rise — but when," said epidemiologist Dr Anand Thatte. The theme of this year's National Dengue Day, which is observed on May 16, is 'Act Early, Prevent Dengue : Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living'. It calls upon citizens to take proactive measures before the rains arrive. "The goal is to stop mosquito breeding in its tracks and prevent dengue from gaining a foothold," said Dr Vinod Chauhan, district malaria officer of Gondia, which has seen a high number of cases in the past. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like local network access control Expertinspector Learn More Undo "We need to treat this as a public health emergency in the making," said Dr Manish Jadhav, a physician. "We have just 15 days before the rains start — this is our window to act. Households, schools, offices, and neighbourhoods must come together to eliminate breeding grounds. If we delay this, we could see cases like in 2023 or worse," he said. Doctors advised NMC to intensify fogging and anti-larval drives across high-risk areas. However, community health experts insist that community participation remains the key to prevention. "Eliminating mosquito breeding sites like stagnant water in coolers, flowerpots, broken vessels, and discarded tyres is the responsibility of common people, and not NMC," said Dr Sanjay Deshpande. # STINGING STATS Dengue Cases in Nagpur city 2019 – 626 2020 – 107 (Covid year) 2021 – 1,254 2022 – 2,470 2023 – 3,164 2024* – 206 2025** – 4 cases (* high Chikungunya prevalence. **Monsoon yet to arrive) Doctors' Prescription - Eliminate mosquito breeding sites - Maintain hygienic surroundings - Use mosquito repellents and nets - Report symptoms early, such as high fever and joint pain
