State of the Chikungunya in the world

The Chikungunya results from the bite of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The disease first surfaced in 1952 in the United Republic of Tanzania and then appeared in countries of Asia and Africa. The first outbreak of the disease was reported in Thailand in 1967 and India in the 1970s. So far, it has been reported in more than 60 countries. The reporting period suggests that it is a seasonal disease, and surfaced when the environment is enabling the breeding of the mosquitoes. The mosquito bite is the main cause of chikungunya. The virus is not harmful and presents flu-like symptoms, however, the body ache is unbearable. High-grade fever and pain in joints & muscles are teasing and most patients feel difficulty describing their physical condition. The pain forced patients to remain confined to bed. The pain and feeling of discomfort continue for many months. There is no specific treatment for chikungunya (symptomatic treatment is advised such as antipyretics and analgesics etc.) and no vaccine is available to prevent being the victim of this mosquito bite.

Some effective measures are suggested to prevent Chikungunya. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed shoes, during the early morning and late afternoon when mosquitoes are most active. Apply repellents on exposed skin (seek medical advice). Use pesticide-treated nets, especially if you plan to sleep outdoors or in an unscreened area. Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water, keeping gutters clean, and covering water storage containers. Educate family members and neighbors about chikungunya prevention and symptoms.

State of the Chikungunya in Pakistan

Chikungunya was first reported in Pakistan in 1983 when a sample test was positive in 4 rodents and 1 human. This first case was recorded in Lahore in 2011. The outbreak was recorded in Karachi, Pakistan in 2016-17. The current outbreak in Karachi, Pakistan, is due to other reasons such as poor sanitation and water ponds, in addition to the blessings of climate change.

Pakistan is among other countries in Asia that are facing significant climate change. The summer is getting longer with increasing heat intensity and the winter is getting shorter and milder over time. This growing temperature nurtures an enabling environment for arboviral illnesses, including malaria and dengue. The residents of the coastal belt are being affected the most. The poor health conditions and poor sanitation add to the people’s misery.

HANDS efforts in treating the Chikungunya Patients

HANDS through its health facilities is providing health facilities to the sufferers. The team HANDS is also raising awareness among people on how to get rid of the disease. So far, 1349 patients of Chikungunya have been treated among those are 800 males and 252 females. While 252 children are also treated with the same disease.

Writing contribution: Dr. Muhammad Aslam Khan, Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed