Epidemiology of chikungunya

Epidemiology of Chikungunya

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Chikungunya virus, the cause of Chikungunya disease

The Epidemiology of Chikungunya refers to the study of the patterns, causes, and effects of the Chikungunya virus health and disease conditions in defined populations. Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain.

History

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Global distribution of Chikungunya (2019)

The Chikungunya virus was first identified during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952. The name "chikungunya" derives from a word in the Kimakonde language, meaning "to become contorted", and describes the stooped appearance of sufferers with joint pain.

Transmission

Chikungunya is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the primary vectors for Chikungunya. These mosquitoes can also transmit other mosquito-borne viruses, including dengue fever and Zika virus.

Epidemiology

Chikungunya occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In recent decades mosquito vectors of chikungunya have spread to Europe and the Americas. In 2007, disease transmission was reported for the first time in a localized outbreak in north-eastern Italy.

Prevention and Control

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Prevention methods against Chikungunya

Prevention and control relies heavily on reducing the number of natural and artificial water-filled container habitats that support breeding of the mosquitoes. This requires mobilization of affected communities. During outbreaks, insecticides may be sprayed to kill flying mosquitoes, applied to surfaces in and around containers where the mosquitoes land, and used to treat water in containers to kill the immature larvae.

See also

• Epidemiology of dengue
• Epidemiology of Zika virus