Chikungunya is a viral febrile disease, caused by Chikungunya virus. This virus is an Arbo-virus, comes from Togoviridae family and genus Alphavirus.  Main reservoir – monkey.

It is transmitted to human being through Aedes mosquito. Usually people of any age can get infected. But incidence is more in child and pregnant women.

Incubation Period: 2 to 5 days.

Clinical Features:

1)    Fever – 103*F-104*F, First feverish for few hours than suddenly temperature raises.

2)    Radish rash (Petechial and Maculopapular) appears, initially in the trunk and gradually in the limbs. Rashes may be painful or not.

3)    Arthralgia – Pain in the joints, both big and small.

4)    Arthritis – Joints inflammation, accompanied by pain, swelling and rigid mobility.

5)    Myelgia- Pain in the muscles, bruised feeling. Felt in various muscles but more in limbs.

6)    Headache, heaviness in the head.

7)    Conjunctivitis with photophobia- may be present.

Fever may disappear after few days, usually within 3-5 days. But headache, Insomnia, Extreme prostration lasts for 7 days to 10-15 days. Some times these may last for months to  years.

Diagnosis: Usually it is done clinically. In ELISA CHIKV specific IgE level may be found but it may be false positive.

Prognosis:  Within 7-21 days patients become fit. But middle aged patients may take 1-3 months to get cure.

Complication: There is no complication found, but some times oedema in the leg found which has no relation with cardiac/renal/liver disorders. Some patients may suffer from Iridocyclitis.

Homeopathic Medicines:

Ars alb, Aconite, Bell, Arnica Mont, Rhus tox, Dulc, Eupat, Euphrasia, Sulph etc.