CHIKUNGUNYA

Why in news: Recently US food and drug administrator approved vaccine for Chikungunya named– IXCHIQ.

1.Vectors:

   – Transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.

   – These vectors spread the virus through bites.

2.Method of Spread:

   – Mosquito bites transfer the chikungunya virus from infected individuals to healthy ones.

   – No direct person-to-person transmission occurs.

 3.Symptoms:

   – Includes severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash.

   – Symptoms typically manifest 2-12 days’ post-infection.

4.Characteristics

   – Viral infection causing debilitating joint pain, fever, and limited mobility.

   – Prevalent in regions like Africa, Asia, and the Americas with periodic outbreaks.

Chikungunya, transmitted by specific mosquito species, leads to severe joint pain and flu-like symptoms, emphasizing the importance of mosquito control and preventive measures in affected regions.