Chikungunya - Cambodia

Chikungunya – Cambodia

May 23, 2021
< 1 min read

There is a recent increase of 100 cases of Chikungunya in the Ratanakiri province of Cambodia.

Symptoms include fevers, severe joint/muscle pain, joint swelling, nausea, fatigue, rash, and headache. There were 100 new cases of Chikungunya fever recently reported in the Ratanakiri province. People are more likely to contract the virus in mountainous areas.

The health department hospitalized many of the cases, some of which are in O’Chum Health Center.

Photo: Electron micrograph of Chikungunya virus.

Chikungunya is an infection caused by the Chikungunya virus, spread by two types of mosquitoes that both carry distinct white stripes on their legs and sides of their bodies.

Symptoms are generally flu-like with fever and joint pain. Usually the pain improves within a week, but occasionally the joint pain may last for months or even years. There is a small risk of death whit this disease.

While the disease typically occurs in Africa and Asia, outbreaks have been reported in Europe and the Americas since the 2000s.

The best means of prevention is overall mosquito control and the avoidance of bites in areas where the disease is common. Covering arms and legs when outdoor, is always a good idea. Insect repellents can also help. No specific treatment is available for this disease.

Chikungunya was first identified in 1952 in Tanganyika, current day Tanzania. The name of the disease originates from the Kimakonde language and means "that which bends up" or "to become contorted", indicating the severe joint pain and arthritic symptoms it can cause.

The first recorded outbreak of this disease may have been in 1779, molecular genetics confirm that this disease evolved around 1700.

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