Chikungunya

Chikungunya (= Chicken Guinea) is a form of viral fever caused by an alphavirus that is spread by mosquito bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito, though recent research by the Pasteur Institute in Paris claims

the virus has suffered a mutation that enables it to be transmitted by Aedes Albopictus (Tiger mosquito). This was the cause of the actual plague in the Indian Ocean and a threat to the mediterranean coast at present.

The name is derived from the Makonde word meaning "that which bends up" in reference to the stooped posture developed as a result of the arthritic symptoms of the disease.

Alphavirus that is spread by mosquito bites from the Aedes aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquitos.

Self limiting febrile viral disease; characterized by arthralgia or arthritis typically in the knee, ankle and small joints of the extremities, high fever, followed by a maculopapular rash; buccal and palatal enanthema can occur; nausea and vomiting may occur; mild hemorrhaging may be present (child); inapperent infections are common, immunity is long lasting

Found in Africa, India, south east Asia and the Philippines

Humans, mammals (primates), birds

The primary symptoms of Chikungunya include -

Joints pain

· Fever, up to 104° which lasts for 3 - 5 days

· Headache

· Swelling in joints

· Chills

· Nausea

· Muscle pain

· Vomiting

· Redness of eyes or conjunctivitis

· Photophobia

· Weakness

· Fatigue

· Hemorrhage

· Rashes on skin

Fever which can reach 39°C, (102.2 °F)

A petechial or maculopapular rash usually involving the limbs and trunk

Arthralgia (bodyache) or arthritis affecting multiple joints which can be debilitating. The joint pains can be severe and even crippling.

There can also be headache, conjunctival infection and slight photophobia. Fever typically lasts for two days and abruptly comes down, however joint pain, intense headache, insomnia and an extreme degree of prostration

lasts or a variable period, usually for about 5 - 7 days.

Dermatological manifestations observed in a recent outbreak of Chikungunya fever in Southern India includes the following:

Maculopapular rash

Nasal blotchy erythema

Freckle-like pigmentation over centro-facial area

Flagellate pigmentation on face and extremities

Lichenoid eruption and hyperpigmentation in photodistributed areas

Multiple aphthous-like ulcers over scrotum, crural areas and axillae.

Lympoedema in acral distribution (bilateral/unilateral)

Multiple ecchymotic spots (Children)

Vesiculobullous lesions (infants)

Subungual hemorrhage

Diagnosis:

Detection of antigens or antibody to the agent in the blood (serology)

ELISA is available

An IgM capture ELISA is necessary to distinguish the disease from dengue fever.

Homeopathy offers many medicines which may help in Chikungunya. These include medicines like Eupatorium-perf, Pyroginum, Rhus-tox, Cedron, Influenzinum, China, Arnica, Belladona, Bryonia etc. Many homeopaths consider Eupatorium perf. as a preventive medicine for Chikungunya. The most commonly suggested potency as prophylaxis is 200C of Eupatorium perf. Eupatorium Perfoliatum Q (tincture, 3 to 5 drop dose)will remove the debilitating joint pains and cut short the intensity and duration of the disease. Other potencies may be used according to the intensity of the case.

[Krishnamurti] Polyporus pinicola C 10.000 is almost a specific for Chikungunya given in one single dose. My students have cured many Chikungunya victims during the years 2006 to 2008 with a rate of success > than 97%.

Eupatorium perfoliatum, Rhus toxicondendron, Arnica, China, Bryonia, Belladonna, Pyrogenium, Cedron, Influenzinum, Sulphur, Colchicum, Lycopodium, Ledum, Ruta.

Conventional treatment:

No vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya fever is available. Treatment is symptomatic: rest, fluids, and ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol may relieve symptoms of fever and aching.

Aspirin should be avoided

Infected persons should be protected from further mosquito exposure (staying indoors +/o. under a mosquito net during the first few days of illness) so that they can't contribute to the transmission cycle.

Vorwort/Suchen. Zeichen/Abkürzungen. Impressum.