Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The disease is closely similar to dengue fever. As it usually co-occurs with dengue fever, it is often misdiagnosed. Hence the number of cases of chikungunya fever is much higher than that reported. High mosquito density during the post-monsoon season increases the disease’s transmission.

The symptoms of chikungunya include a sudden onset of fever; severe headache; chills; nausea and vomiting; and severe, sometimes persistent joint pain. The disease is generally not fatal. Some patients have reported temporary disabling joint pain or arthritis, which may last for weeks or months. The areas around the joints become swollen and painful to the touch. However, the prolonged joint pain and fatigue associated with chikungunya fever are not typical symptoms of dengue. A rash may sometimes occur, but haemorrhaging is rare.

How does it spread?

Aedes mosquitoes, which are highly domestic in rural, urban and periurban areas, are vectors of this disease. They bite during the day and are easily recognized by the black and white stripes/spot markings on their bodies and legs. They breed easily in anything that can hold clean water including tyres, coconut shells, flower pots, storage jars and cooling systems. The eggs become adults within a span of seven to ten days. The mosquitoes rest inside, outside and around the house, school and other areas in towns and villages where it is dark, cool and shaded.

It is reported 1,330 chikungunya fever cases in Malaysia this year. One of them is me!

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