Chikungunya [Swahili “that which bends up”]  a self-limited disease resembling dengue, seen mainly in Africa and Southeast Asia, caused by an alphavirus transmitted chiefly by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes; its most prominent symptoms are musculoskeletal and it has occasionally been associated with hemorrhagic fever.

    Chikungunya virus is most likely of African origin. In early 2005, a large outbreak of chikungunya occurred in the Comoros islands located off the east coast of Africa. From there, the virus circulated to other islands in the Indian Ocean. Chikungunya virus is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, specifically mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, which usually bite during daylight hours.

    Symptoms of infection, which generally last three to seven days, include the sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, severe joint pain (arthralgias), and rash. Although rare, the infection can result in meningoencephalitis (swelling of the brain), especially in newborns and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Pregnant women can pass the virus to their fetus. Residual arthritis, with morning stiffness, swelling, and pain on movement, may persist for weeks or months after recovery. Severe cases of chikungunya can occur in the elderly, in the very young (newborns) and in those who are immunocompromised. Chikungunya outbreaks typically result in several hundreds or thousands of cases but deaths are rarely encountered.

    Recent outbreaks have occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa, India, South-east Asia, and the Philippines. Treatment for chikungunya typically involves treating the symptoms and includes bed-rest where the symptoms are most severe. Using protective measures to prevent being bitten by an infected mosquito remains the only means to reduce the risk of exposure.

    Chikungunya a viral and non fatal disease responds well to Homoeopathic Medicines. Though the disease is non fatal and self limiting the symptoms are not bearable. But the Homoeopathic Medicines reduces the symptoms completely. Medicines are prescribed according to the symptoms similarities or the peculiar symptoms each patient presents with. These medicines not only reduces the present symptoms but can also be prescribed as a preventive medicine. Medicines like Eupatorium Per, Bellis Per, Arnica, Rhus Tox, Bryonia, Belladonna, Ferrum Phos, Natrum Mur, Pyrogenum are usually prescribed.

    In mild cases Belladonna and Ferrum Phos in 200 potencies can be taken every 2 hours till the symptoms reduces.

    In severe cases of bone pains, headache and fever Eupatorium Per, Arnica & Bellis Per can be taken in 200 potencies every hourly.

    In case of High Fevers Pyrogenum 200 can be taken every hourly till fever reduces.

    During this hot summer season the remedies like Nat Mur and Bryonia can be taken by those patients having severe thirst and other symptoms.

    Measures to Avoid Mosquito bites.

    Remain in well screened or completely enclosed, air-conditioned areas. Wear light-coloured clothing with full-length pant legs and sleeves. Use insect repellent on exposed skin. Surroundings should be kept clean. Marshy areas should be cleared.

    Homoeopathic Repellents are Sabadilla, Staphysagria and Azadirachta Indica can be applied in tincture form to the exposed parts of the body to protect from mosquito bites.