Get to Know Chikungunya: Symptoms, Characteristics, and Effective Ways to Prevent It!

Kapanlagi.com - Chikungunya, a disease caused by a virus and transmitted through mosquito bites, has now become our concern. This infection can cause very disturbing symptoms, such as high fever and unbearable joint pain.

Therefore, it is important for us to recognize the characteristics of chikungunya early on, so that we can receive the appropriate treatment promptly.

In this article, we will thoroughly discuss everything about chikungunya: from its characteristics, causes, symptoms that appear, to treatment options and preventive measures we can take.

Let’s pay attention together so that we can be more vigilant and ready to face this disease, as reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Friday (10/1/2025).

1. Understanding Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) from the Alphavirus genus, transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

The name "chikungunya" comes from the Kimakonde language, meaning "that which bends up," describing the condition of sufferers due to severe joint pain.

This disease was first detected in Tanzania in 1952 and has spread to various parts of the world, including Indonesia, where it often appears during the rainy season.

The virus enters the human body through mosquito bites, replicates in skin, muscle, and joint cells, triggering immune reactions and inflammation, along with painful symptoms.

2. Causes of Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmitted through mosquito bites, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

This virus has three main genotypes: Asia, West Africa, and ECSA, and has a single-stranded RNA structure.

Transmission occurs through two cycles: sylvatic (involving primates and forest mosquitoes) and urban (in urban environments).

The risk of infection increases in endemic areas, during the rainy season, with poor sanitation, and in older age groups.

The main prevention method is controlling mosquito populations and avoiding their bites.

3. Characteristics of Chikungunya

Recognizing the characteristics of chikungunya is important for early detection of infection. The main symptoms include a sudden high fever above 39°C lasting 3-7 days, severe joint pain in small joints, and a red skin rash that appears 2-5 days after the fever.

Other symptoms include muscle pain, severe headache, extreme fatigue, joint swelling, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. In some cases, red eyes and swollen lymph nodes may also occur.

Symptoms appear 3-7 days after the bite of an infected mosquito, with joint pain potentially lasting for months. Because chikungunya symptoms are similar to other diseases, medical examination is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

4. Symptoms of Chikungunya

The symptoms of chikungunya appear 3-7 days after the bite of an infected mosquito, with varying intensity.

In the acute phase (1-2 weeks), patients experience high fever, severe joint pain, joint stiffness, and other symptoms such as muscle pain, headache, rash, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

The sub-acute phase is characterized by improvement in fever and rash, but joint pain and fatigue may continue.

If symptoms persist for more than three months, persistent joint pain may occur. About 3-28% of cases are asymptomatic but still contagious.

Children tend to experience milder symptoms, while infants, the elderly, and individuals with certain medical conditions are at risk for serious complications.

It is important to seek medical care if experiencing chikungunya symptoms.

5. Chikungunya Diagnosis

Diagnosing chikungunya involves several important steps, starting with anamnesis to inquire about symptoms and travel history to endemic areas.

A physical examination is conducted to identify clinical signs such as fever and joint swelling. Diagnosis is established through laboratory tests, including serological tests for IgM and IgG antibodies, as well as RT-PCR to detect viral RNA.

Virus isolation may also be performed if necessary. A complete blood count can provide additional information, and imaging such as MRI or ultrasound may be required if symptoms persist.

Careful differential diagnosis is crucial because chikungunya symptoms are similar to other diseases. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience suspicious symptoms after being exposed to mosquitoes or visiting endemic areas.

6. Chikungunya Treatment

Currently, there is no specific medication for chikungunya, but appropriate management can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

The main treatment includes adequate rest, good hydration, and careful use of pain relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Cold compresses can reduce swelling, and for persistent symptoms, physiotherapy and light exercise may help. In serious cases, doctors may prescribe anti-rheumatic drugs or corticosteroids.

If complications occur, intensive care in a hospital and nutritional support as well as psychological attention are very important.

All treatments should be conducted under a doctor's supervision, and the use of medications without medical recommendations is not advised.

Although many patients fully recover, some may experience long-term joint pain that requires management and rehabilitation.

7. Chikungunya Prevention

Chikungunya is a threat that needs to be taken seriously, but there are simple steps to protect yourself and your environment.

Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants when outdoors, and use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin. Sleep under a mosquito net and install screens on windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

Eliminate standing water and regularly drain water storage containers, and maintain cleanliness in the environment by trimming grass and ensuring drainage systems are clear.

Educating the community about the dangers of chikungunya is very important. When traveling, check the chikungunya status at your destination and bring mosquito repellent supplies. Although there is no vaccine yet, proper preventive measures can reduce the risk of infection.

8. Differences Between Chikungunya and Dengue Fever

Chikungunya and dengue fever (DBD) are both transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, but they have different characteristics.

Chikungunya is caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and is characterized by severe joint pain that can last for a long time, with symptoms appearing 3-7 days after a bite and fever lasting 3-5 days.

Meanwhile, DBD is caused by the dengue virus (DENV) and is characterized by high fever, muscle pain, and bleeding symptoms, with symptoms appearing 4-10 days later and fever lasting 2-7 days with a biphasic pattern.

The risk of death from chikungunya is low, but DBD can have serious consequences with complications such as plasma leakage and shock. Therefore, accurate diagnosis through laboratory tests is crucial for appropriate management.

9. Chikungunya Complications

Although many people infected with chikungunya can recover without serious problems, some may experience short-term or long-term complications that can affect their quality of life.

These complications include joint pain due to chronic arthritis, neurological complications such as meningoencephalitis and Guillain-Barr syndrome, as well as eye issues like uveitis and retinitis.

In addition, cardiovascular and hepatic complications such as myocarditis and fulminant hepatitis should also be monitored, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and those with certain medical conditions.

Although serious complications are rare, medical monitoring remains important, especially if symptoms persist. If you experience persistent symptoms, consult a doctor for appropriate management.

(kpl/rao)