A tryst with the epidemiology of a re-emerging infection: clinical and socio-demographic profile of the Chikungunya epidemic of South India

Chikungunya is one of the emerging infectious diseases, which have been causing various epidemics across the world, and morbidity increases with every new outbreak. Now deaths have also been reported as Chikungunya being an exclusive cause. Re-emergence of Chikungunya in India in 2005, have taken a new turn with an explosive magnitude. Above million people were in waylay, in 2006 and the rampage is continuing. Our study is mainly conducted to weigh up the clinical scenario and various socio-demographic factor affecting the commencement and course of the disease.

It was a hospital based study in three states of India, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu during the Chikungunya epidemic. Total of 3676 patients were studied and 97% of them had fever. Other major symptoms were arthralgia (96.5%) and retro-orbital pain (70.4%). 20% -25% of patients suffered with myalgia and joint swelling. Around 12.7% people suffered from skin manifestations. Many socio-demographic factors were also studied which marked poverty as a big factor affecting the course of the disease. Poor living conditions and unavailable pure drinking water were major setback for the people in southern India. Considering all the mentioned facts, various vector control strategies and policies to improve the economic condition of the population can pave the way to a healthy third world.