An End to the Chinkungunya Plight?
Origins and Nature of the Virus Chikungunya virus has been present in Africa for centuries. Epidemics of Chikungunya have been a significant concern in Southeast Asia, especially India. The virus causes fever lasting from 2 to 5 days, rash in the limbs, and joint pains, which are potentially chronic. Other minor symptoms include muscle pain, nausea, headache, and fatigue; the severity varying based on age and preexisting conditions. The elderly are more severely affected by the virus. Pregnant women have no known symptoms after infection. Currently, there is no known cure for the virus. Treatment only includes alleviating the effects of the illness, increasing fluid intake, and getting enough rest.
Vaccine
India has recently developed an experimental vaccine for the Chikungyunya virus. The vaccine produces proteins found on the viral coat, which in turn activate antibodies for the virus. The vaccine has already successfully activated Chikungyunya antibodies in healthy individuals after injection during clinical trials. Previous work on the vaccine in America was discontinued because of funding and marketing issues. However, a vaccine would benefit the rural areas of India greatly since it harbors the largest number of major outbreaks. Moreover, it would also help India’s economy by promoting tourism in the islands of the Indian Ocean and other Indian states. Since the virus is easily transmitted from one person to another, tourism has been sedentary in areas known for Chikungunya outbreaks. A vaccine would be high on the market not only for the inhabitants of the regions, but also for tourists who wish to explore such places.
Transmission
Similar to dengue fever, the Chikungunya virus is transmitted from human to human through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. These mosquitoes have no selective peak activity and can bite throughout daylight hours as well as during nighttime. Onset of illness usually occurs 4-8 days after being bitten but can also range from 2-12 days. On May 2009, in Changwat Trang of Thailand, a hospital delivered a baby from his infected mother by caesarean section. The baby was already infected by the virus. This led to the conclusion that the virus is capable of mother to fetus transmission. However, this claim has not yet been confirmed by laboratory tests. The best preventive method is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.
Outbreaks
Since 2004, the Chikungunya fever has been on WHO’s watch list as it reached epidemic proportions. Well-known outbreaks occurred in Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Few cases have been reported in Europe and the United States. In February 2005, a major outbreak of Chikungunya occurred in the islands of the Indian Ocean. The outbreak spread to Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives, and Myanmar. A significant number of imported cases in Europe also stemmed from this outbreak. Over 1.9 million cases were reported in South-East Asia.
Large outbreaks in various states of Southern India have been frequently reported since 2006. Over 2000 cases were reported in Malegaon town and 5000 cases in Orissa state within a two-week period in March, 2006. Moreover, nearly 100,000 people were infected in Tamil Nadu as of August 2006. Stagnant water in rural areas provides perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying the virus, further initiating and enhancing Chikungunya outbreaks.