Research Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics
  • Year: 2009
  • Volume: 1
  • Issue: 1

Chikungunya Disease: A Review

  • Author:
  • NS Dighe1,, SR Pattan1, SB Dighe1, SB Bhawar1, RB Saudagar2, V M Gaware1, MB Hole1, VB Tambe1
  • Total Page Count: 6
  • Page Number: 7 to 12

1Pravara Rural College of Pharmacy, Pravaranagar, A/P-Loni (413736), Tal-Rahata, Dist.-Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India

2R. G. Sapakal College of Pharmacy, Nasik, Maharashtra, India

*Corresponding Author: Mr. NS Dighe, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, Pravara Rural College of Pharmacy, Pravaranagar, A/P-Loni (413736), Taluka-Rahata, Dist.-Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India. E-mail: sbdigheprcop@gmail.com, nachiket1111@rediffmail.com

Online published on 20 March, 2013.

Abstract

Chikungunya virus is an insect-borne virus, of the genus Alphavirus, that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes. The virus causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever with an acute febrile phase of the illness which lasts only two to five days. Infection can affect the nervous system or the musculo-skeletal system. General symptoms include fever, headache, maculopapular rash, arthralgia, myalgia, photophobia and lymphadenopathy. Virus isolation provides the most definitive diagnosis. The most effective means of prevention are protection against contact with the disease-carrying mosquitoes and mosquito control. NSAIDs, chloroquine and DNA vaccine are the effective medicines.

Keywords

Chikungunya, Aedes mosquitoes, fever, chloroquine