Doctors in Pune have identified a rare symptom in chikungunya patients known as "chikungunya nose," which manifests as a swollen, red nose during the fever. This condition fades within a few weeks, but it highlights the virus's impact on the body. 🌡️ While chikungunya is known for causing severe joint pain and fever, this new symptom brings more attention to the need for preventive measures. Here's how you can protect yourself and what to do if you or someone you live with contracts chikungunya. 🩺
What Is Chikungunya? 🦟
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species, which are also responsible for spreading dengue and Zika virus. The symptoms of chikungunya usually appear 3-7 days after a mosquito bite, including:
High fever (up to 104°F)
Severe joint pain (especially in wrists, knees, ankles)
Muscle pain
Rashes
Fatigue
Chikungunya nose, a new symptom reported, includes swelling and redness in the nose.
Although rarely fatal, the disease causes extreme discomfort and can lead to chronic joint pain that may last for weeks or even months.
Prevention Tips 🛡️
The best way to prevent chikungunya is to avoid mosquito bites, especially during the day when Aedes mosquitoes are most active. Here are some tips:
Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply DEET-based repellents or those containing picaridin on exposed skin.
Wear Protective Clothing: Cover up with long sleeves, long pants, and socks, particularly in mosquito-prone areas.
Use Mosquito Nets and Screens: Sleep under mosquito nets, and use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty flower pots, buckets, and containers, and cover any water storage units to reduce breeding sites.
Care and Treatment 🩺
There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms:
Rest: It’s important to get plenty of rest to recover.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, especially if experiencing fever.
Pain Relief: Paracetamol or acetaminophen can be taken to reduce fever and joint pain. Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Protecting Others 🛡️
If someone in your household contracts chikungunya, it’s essential to take steps to protect others from being infected:
Isolate the Patient: Ensure that the infected person sleeps under a mosquito net to prevent mosquitoes from biting them and spreading the virus to others.
Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean areas around the house where mosquitoes might breed, especially any sources of standing water.
Use Insect Repellents: Even within the home, use insect repellents to minimize the risk of mosquito bites for others.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant & Prevent Mosquito Bites 🚫🦟
Chikungunya can be extremely uncomfortable, and with symptoms like chikungunya nose being identified, awareness and prevention are more important than ever. By taking steps to reduce mosquito exposure, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from this viral illness.
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