CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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Chikungunya virus is a microorganism that belongs to the Togaviridae family, specifically in the Alphavirus genus. It is an arthropod-borne virus primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The virus was first isolated in Tanzania in the 1950s during an outbreak of a febrile illness, later named chikungunya, which means "that which bends up" in the Makonde language, referring to the stooped posture adopted by infected individuals due to severe joint pain.
Upon infection, the Chikungunya virus usually incubates in the human body for 2 to 12 days, after which the infected individuals experience symptoms such as high fever, severe joint pain (arthritis), headache, muscle pain, rash, conjunctivitis, and fatigue. While most patients recover fully within a week, others may experience prolonged joint pain that can last for weeks, months, or even years. Although rare, deaths have been reported due to complications like encephalitis, especially among elderly individuals or those with underlying health conditions.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment available to combat Chikungunya virus infections. Treatment mainly focuses on symptom relief, such as rest, fluid intake, and the administration of pain relievers to alleviate joint and muscle pain. Preventive measures, such as avoiding mosquito bites through the use of mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating breeding grounds for mosquitoes in stagnant water sources, play a crucial role in reducing the transmission of this virus.
Common Misspellings for CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS
- xhikungunya virus
- vhikungunya virus
- fhikungunya virus
- dhikungunya virus
- cgikungunya virus
- cbikungunya virus
- cnikungunya virus
- cjikungunya virus
- cuikungunya virus
- cyikungunya virus
- chukungunya virus
- chjkungunya virus
- chkkungunya virus
- chokungunya virus
- ch9kungunya virus
- ch8kungunya virus
- chijungunya virus
- chimungunya virus
- chilungunya virus
- chioungunya virus
Etymology of CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS
The word "Chikungunya" is derived from the Makonde language, which is spoken in Tanzania and Mozambique. It translates to "that which bends up" or "to become contorted", referring to the severe joint pain and stiffness associated with the disease. The term was first used to describe an outbreak of a similar illness in Tanzania in 1952, which was later identified as the Chikungunya virus.
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