New Delhi: Chikungunya fever, a viral illness transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, has seen a significant surge in cases this year. The CHIKV virus, an RNA alphavirus belonging to the Togaviridae family, is known for its characteristic symptoms, including fever, joint pain, and rash. While many patients recover fully, this year’s strain has brought with it prolonged and severe aftereffects, impacting multiple systems in the body, particularly the neurological system.
Dr. Shilpa Kulkarni, HOD Critical Care & Physician, Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowire, in interaction with News9Live, listed the negative effects of chikungunya.
A significant number of chikungunya patients have reported returning with lingering symptoms long after the initial illness subsided. Among the most common complaints is persistent joint pain. This symptom, while characteristic of chikungunya, seems to have lasted longer in many cases this year, causing considerable disability and discomfort. Alongside joint pain, some patients have also experienced tingling sensations, numbness, and shooting pain, indicative of neuropathies.
This year’s strain appears to have a more prolonged course and wider multisystem effects, particularly on neurological functions. Neuro-chikungunya, the severe form of the disease, has presented with symptoms such as drowsiness, altered sensorium, and even coma in some cases. Many of these symptoms are often preceded by fever and mild joint pain, which can make early identification of neurological complications challenging.
In more severe cases, patients have developed conditions like sensorimotor polyneuropathy and meningoencephalitis. Some have recovered with appropriate care, while others have faced irreversible complications, including vision loss due to retinal involvement. The neurological symptoms are particularly severe in vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, whose immune systems may not be equipped to handle the disease’s full impact.
The underlying factors contributing to these complications remain an area of active research. Genetics may play a crucial role, with specific strains of the virus potentially linked to increased neurovirulence. Understanding these genetic determinants could pave the way for better characterization of the disease’s neuropathogenesis and more targeted treatment options. Mapping mutations during outbreaks and expanding our knowledge of CHIKV genetics could significantly advance therapeutic interventions for severe forms of chikungunya.
As the disease continues to evolve, this year’s outbreak serves as a reminder of chikungunya’s potential to cause long-term health challenges. It underscores the importance of early diagnosis, effective management, and continued research to address its far-reaching impacts.
As the disease continues to evolve, this year’s outbreak serves as a reminder of chikungunya’s potential to cause long-term health challenges. It underscores the importance of early diagnosis, effective management, and continued research to address its far-reaching impacts. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
