Chikungunya is a viral disease that spreads to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitos. The most prevalent mosquitoes implicated are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These two species can also transmit other mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue. They bite throughout the day, with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon.
Chikungunya is characterized by fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating and varies in duration; other symptoms include joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.
Prevention of Chikungunya involves protecting oneself from mosquito bites by using various tools like nets, sprays, coils, electric bats, and mosquito repellent creams. Mosquito control measures like eliminating stagnant water from plants, coolers, tyres, and road potholes is also crucial.
