People often get confused between the two major vector-borne diseases:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue
The reason is behind its similarity is the fever and the complications. Do you know the meaning of chikungunya? It is originated from the Makonde language and it means “that which bends up”. However, it also signifies to one of the signs of chikungunya, which is known for the upward bend of the joints of patients. You will be shocked to know that the fever (both dengue and chikungunya) with temperature reaches around one hundred and four (104) degrees. It is a fact that chikungunya is quite a dangerous ailment for elderly people.
Also read: Types of Malaria
Complications Of Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a debilitating fever with the following complications:
- Fever with temperature touching 104 degree Fahrenheit.
- Severe headache.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Muscle Pain.
- Rashes.
- Sharp joint pain with swelling.
- Conjunctivitis.
- Loss of taste.
- Mouth Ulcers.
Also read: Causes of Malaria
The fever lasts from 2 to 5 days but the complications take a few weeks to subside. Some patients may have drawn out fatigue that lasts many weeks. Moreover, some patients also report unbearable joint pain, similar to that of arthritis pain that may last for weeks or even months.
Deaths Due To Chikungunya
Nearly all the reported deaths caused by chikungunya fever complications, the virus has not been found responsible for it. The effect on a person’s immunity is the real reason behind it. Since the immune system of the body takes a beating, the other medical condition of the patient gets worsened. This amounts to be a fatal complication of chikungunya that causes deaths.
Chikungunya is especially dangerous for people who are aged. Since the immune system of their body is already weak due to the natural process of aging; contracting chikungunya can lead to more serious complications such as dementia and other cerebral problems, kidney disorders and paralysis.
Children are more at risk of contracting this disease than adults because they do not recognize its symptoms early enough for timely treatment. People may already be infected with chikungunya virus without getting ill. Apart from causing complications of chikungunya fever, this virus (whether the cause of illness or not) is thought to confer immunity throughout life to a person.
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