At least 59 people in Male' have tested positive for Chikungunya this month as the viral disease spreads rapidly across the country.
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through by mosquitoes infected with the chikungunya virus. The mosquitoes involved in transmission are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
The most common symptom is an abrupt onset of fever, often accompanied by joint pain. There is no vaccine or antiviral drug treatment for chikungunya. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.
Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has called to take special measures due to the spread of Chikungunya across the country. He urged the public to pay special attention to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
"With the rainy season ahead, the number of mosquitoes that spread the disease will increase if special measures are not taken. The easiest way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as chikungunya and dengue is to destroy mosquito breeding sites," he said in a post on X.
Symptoms of chikungunya
- Fever to 39 degrees Celsius
- Severe pain in head and body
- Pain in the joints
- Abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting
- Red pimples (rash) on the body
Newborns infected during delivery and older people with underlying medical conditions may become severely ill and can increase the risk of death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The clinical management includes addressing fever and joint pain with anti-pyretics and optimal analgesics, drinking plenty of fluids and general rest. There is no specific antiviral drug treatment.
How to protect yourself from chikungunya?
According to WHO, prevention of infection by avoiding mosquito bites is the best protection. Patients should avoid getting mosquito bites during the first week of illness to prevent further transmission to mosquitoes, who may in turn infect other people.
Things you can do to protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- Wear as much coverage as possible
- Use mosquito lotion
- Put mosquito nets in places such as windows
- Keep doors and windows closed in the morning and evening
