Chikungunya cases have increased in multiple Indian cities, including Delhi Mumbai and Nagpur, mainly due to extended monsoon seasons, which breed Aedes aegypti mosquitoesresponsible for the disease. A surge of 578 infections between January and October has put Mumbai at the top of the list of cases in three years. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation records show that last year cases of this mosquito-born disease were much lower, at 18 in 2022 and 250 in 2023.
While in Nagpur, Chikungunya cases touched a new high, with more than 1,000 cases reported in the city for the first time. Till October 18, 2024, 1,012 cases of the mosquito-borne viral disease have been confirmed. The sudden spurt, this time around, is much higher than the 800-plus cases reported in the city during the outbreak in 2006-07. This has called for alertness in the health officers in this locality to increase vigilance and prevent some levels of this virus.
Delhi, too, saw an increased number, with 172 cases through November.
Here are five 5 things we must know about the disease
Spread by mosquitoes; look for breeding places
Chikungunya is transmitted primarily by the bites of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, according to the WHO. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters with peak activity observed in the early morning and late afternoon hours. They are highly predominant in urban and suburban areas and are adapted well for living near persistent standing water sites where they can breed.
Severe joint pain is a classic symptom of the disease
The hallmark symptom of Chikungunya is debilitating joint pain, which might be as long-lasting as weeks, months, or even years in some cases, culminating in a condition called chronic arthritis. A study in the aftermath of the epidemic of 2006 conducted by the Centre for Rheumatic Diseases in Pune showed that joint pain, primarily affecting knees, wrists, and ankles, was sustained for months or years after the acute disease phase.
No specific treatment or vaccine
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that there is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for chikungunya. The management focuses on relieving symptoms, primarily through hydration, rest, and pain relief medications such as paracetamol.
Misdiagnosis continues to remain a major reason why this disease spreads
Chikungunya shares symptoms with other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue, including fever, rash, and joint pain. This overlap can lead to misdiagnosis, delaying appropriate care and control measures. In areas with limited access to advanced diagnostic tools, distinguishing chikungunya from other febrile illnesses is challenging. Accurate diagnosis relies on specific laboratory tests like RT-PCR for detecting the chikungunya virus or serological tests for antibodies (IgM/IgG).
Environmental factors
Poor waste management, stagnant water, and low public awareness are causative to outbreaks. A study on Chikungunya in Madurai City, Tamil Nadu linked poor environmental practices like poor sanitation, overcrowding, and storing of water with an increase in mosquito breeding and disease transmission. These findings then explain the spread of vector-borne diseases such as Chikungunya caused by human activity and climatic factors.
Chikungunya can lead to several after-effects
Chronic joint pain:
Joint pain and swelling may persist for months or even years after the infections, often with characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis and representing one of the most common long-term complications of all post-viral arthritis.
Fatigue
A prolonged feeling of exhaustion is frequently reported, affecting daily life and productivity.
Neurological complications:
Some individuals may suffer from neurological issues, such as headaches, memory problems, or depression, particularly in severe cases.
Skin disorders:
Residual rashes, hyperpigmentation, or peeling of the skin may occur in some patients.
