Chikungunya virus infection: a review

Abstract

Chikungunya fever is a self-remitting febrile viral illness that has been associated with frequent outbreaks in tropical countries of Africa and Southeast Asia. The illness has only recently become a concern in Western countries and temperate zones around the world. Chikungunya is an arboviral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). It consists of an acute illness characterized by fever, rash and arthralgia. Over the past decades, the virus has dispersed unexpectedly from tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, affecting millions of people worldwide. Treatment of acute case is symptomatic; treatment of fever and joint swelling includes the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, non-aspirin analgesics such as acetaminophen. Currently, in the era of globalization and increased international travel, and due to widespread distribution of the mosquito vector, CHIKV is becoming a substantial threat to human health worldwide, including the industrialized countries. Given the lack of effective vaccine or antiviral drug, the long-term consequences of the infection appear to be even more harmful. Adequate coordinated efforts comprising active surveillance, early detection, vector control and public awareness at local, national and international level need to be adopted in endemic areas for the effective control of CHIKV infection.

Keywords: Chikungunya virus; infection; malaria; fever; vaccine; treatment