Keralam is facing a fresh health concern as chikungunya cases continue to rise amid monsoon rain and flooding. Although floodwaters have started to recede in several areas, stagnant water and favourable conditions for mosquito breeding are increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

As of August 4, a total of 105 confirmed chikungunya cases and 62 suspected cases had been reported from different parts of Keralam, with a significant number of cases reported in Thiruvananthapuram.

Health experts have attributed the rise in cases to increased breeding of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes during the monsoon. These mosquitoes are the primary vectors responsible for transmitting chikungunya and can also spread diseases such as dengue.

What Is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the chikungunya virus. It spreads mainly through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.

The common symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever
• Severe joint pain
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Skin rashes
• Fatigue and weakness

Severe joint pain is one of the most prominent symptoms of chikungunya. Although the disease is rarely fatal, joint pain and weakness can continue for several weeks or even months in some patients, affecting their daily lives.

How Does Chikungunya Spread?

An infected mosquito can transmit the virus after biting a person carrying the infection and subsequently biting another person. Therefore, preventing mosquito breeding is crucial.

People are advised to remove stagnant water from containers, tyres, flower pots and other places around their homes. Using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing and keeping surroundings clean can also help reduce the risk of infection.

Treatment and Prevention

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Treatment generally focuses on managing symptoms through adequate rest, sufficient fluid intake and medicines recommended by healthcare professionals.

People experiencing fever should avoid self-medication. In particular, aspirin or ibuprofen should not be taken without medical advice if dengue has not been ruled out, as these medicines can increase bleeding risks in dengue patients.

With the monsoon continuing, health authorities in Keralam are focusing on disease surveillance, mosquito-control measures and public awareness campaigns to prevent the further spread of chikungunya and other mosquito-borne infections.

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