Combat the Spread of Chikungunya in Karachi: You must need to know

Chikungunya has become a significant threat in Karachi and continues to be contagious, likely caused by increased crowding and poor waste disposal that favour the increased production of Aedes mosquitoes. As we strive to combat the spread of Chikungunya in Karachi, it’s crucial to understand the severity of the virus. People might suffer severely once infected, often confined to their beds. Chikungunya is a viral infection that can cause extreme discomfort and has a host of effects on the human body. In this article, we’ll be sure to share with you how to manage this illness and its associated symptoms and effects.

Chikungunya is a viral illness acquired through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, the same as those that cause dengue and zika. The virus originated in Africa but is prevalent in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, including Karachi. They are seasonal in nature and are precipitated by mosquito density, environmental conditions like water stagnation, or a lack of proper hygiene.

The onset of chikungunya is acute and occurs 2 to 12 days after the patient has been bitten by an infected mosquito.

Key symptoms include:

Sore throat – sharp and sudden, usually accompanied by or the result of a cold or the flu, which causes high fevers of 102°F (39°C) and above.
Severe Joint Pain – Severe joint pain is one of the most dominating features of chikungunya fever.
chikungunya fever – It usually involves the wrists, knees, ankles, and other peripheral articulations and may take weeks or months to subside; in fact, such movement disorders hamper the ability of the affected persons to perform routine tasks.
Muscle Cramps, Muscle Soreness  – With symptoms such as fatigue and a generally unpleasant feeling.
Rashes  – may develop 2–3 days after fever and occur all over the body.
Stomach Issues  – Along with making headaches and fatigue, it will make it almost impossible for a patient to perform regular activities.

In severe cases, they presented ‘locking of joints’ and as long-lasting arthritis clinical domains that can lead to chronic joint pain even once other symptoms recede.

To date, there is no cure for Chikungunya in the form of an antiviral, and there are no vaccines available. However, the treatment comprises symptom control and avoiding complications such as dehydration.

Here’s what you should do:

• Pain Management

Take fevers with drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, as they help in treating fever and pains in the joints. People with dengue-co should stop taking aspirin because the drug increases the chances of bleeding.

• Rest

Sleep is a requirement, and so is rest in order to ease muscle and joint pain as well as manage fatigue. Exhausting time can actually extend the period when symptoms will manifest themselves.

• Stay Hydrated

Take enough fluids to help overcome the effects of fever and dryness. Coconut water and clear soups, along with water that has electrolytes added, are highly recommended.

• Medical Attention

In some very demanding situations, doctors may need to start patients on hospitalization and give supportive care, which can be important for an immunocompromised person or someone with a prior condition.

• Prevention Strategies

Chikungunya cannot be vaccinated, and therefore prevention is the only option in the management of this disease. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your family:

• Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds

Throw away water found in trays, flowerpots, and other materials with a view of getting rid of stagnant water. These are places where mosquitoes find perfect breeding grounds.

• Use mosquito repellents

Put on insect repellent creams that are made from DEET or picaridin on exposed parts of the body. You can protect yourself in a number of ways, including wearing long sleeved clothing and sleeping under mosquito nets.

• Community Efforts

Participate in neighbourhood cleanup crusades whereby the community will cease to allow breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

• Seek Early Medical Attention

If you think that you have contracted Chikungunya, then ensure that you go for a doctor’s appointment so that the infection does not worsen and spread amongst the community.

The Global and Local Response

The global health community is currently searching for vaccines and treatment for people living with Chikungunya. On the other hand, the local government in Karachi should continue to spray chemicals in affected areas and share with the public the risk associated with standing water.

But a significant portion of it will reside with families and groups. Even when it comes to the prevention measures, it becomes quite understandable: one has to eradicate all the possible breeding zones and, of course, apply protective gear

While not usually fatal, Chikungunya can be sickness-causing due to the nature of some of the symptoms it presents. The people of Karachi need personal and governmental protection from diseases spreading at alarming rates within a short period of time. When one starts feeling ill, they have to take the necessary measures to contain the disease and prevent affects from worsening or from the disease spreading to the general public.