Chikungunya

Chikungunya (in the Makonde language "that which bends up") virus (CHIKV) is an insect-borne virus, of the genus Alphavirus, that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes.^[1] There have been recent breakouts of CHIKV associated with severe illness. CHIKV infection causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever, with an acute febrile phase of the illness lasting only two to five days, followed by a prolonged arthralgic disease that affects the joints of the extremities. The pain associated with CHIKV infection of the joints persists for weeks or months, or in some cases years

Chikungunya (also called as 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.

Symptoms:-

Chikungunya (Chicken Guinea) is not a fatal disease, but if the affected person has other complications, the Chikungunya disease symptoms may aggravate and may result in complications and may even pose threat to life.

The main symptoms include severe temperature, body pain, pain in all the major joints with swelling, due to arthritis affecting multiple joints. In some cases, skin rashes, severe headache and conjunctival infection can also be found. Usually the body temperature or Chikungunya fever will be completely normal within 2 to 3 days, but the joint pain and swellings will last longer, usually 7 days to even 2 to 3 months.

Chikungunya - HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT & HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Since there is no medicine for Chikungunya in allopathy, people increasingly turning to traditional indian medicines (ayurveda). Ayurveda treatment of Chikungunya uses herbal drugs. Some of the kashayams (concoctions) prescribed are Amrutharista, Mahasudarshana Churna, panchathiktha kashayam, Sudarshan Churnam, Dhanvantaram Gutika and Amruthotharam Kashayam. Ancient ayurveda describes a similar condition called Sandhijwara which is similar to Chikungunya in its symptoms (joint pain). Hence some of the medicines can sooth joint pain.
At the same time there are reports of fake medicines in which steroids are added. These can cause severe side effects in long term. Hence the best advice is to take rest and drink plenty of fluid food!

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.

Chikungunya - 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 and/or under a mosquito net during the first few days of illness) so that they can't contribute to the transmission cycle

Chikungunya Treatment [Chicken Guinea Treatment]

Chikungunya also known as Chicken Guinea is a self limiting disease. Chikungunya symptoms will fade or disappear over time.
Symptomatic treatment is the best against Chikungunya disease [Chicken Guinea Disease] -
Antipyretic drugs must be given as treatment to reduce the temperature. Nilavembu Kudineer (Kudineer-Decoction) is one of the best antipyretic drug. Along with this decoction, Vathajura Kudineer can be given, it helps to reduce the joint pain and swelling.
There are some effective Siddha Medicines for Chikungunya -
1. Santha Chandrodaya Mathirai
2. Balasanjeevi Mathirai
3. Brahmananda Bhairava Mathirai
4. Ashta Bhairava Mathirai
5. Vasantha Kusumaraga Mathirai
Any one or two of the above drugs can be given according to the severity of the disease.

Dose:- Two tablets each, 3 times a day with one or both of the above Kudineer (decoctions). The patient must administer complete rest and is adviced to take healthy food. Sour and cool food substances must be avoided.

Homeopathic treatment of Chikungunya

According to homeopathic experts effective drugs are available to prevent as well as to speed up recovery from Chikungunya. In some of the south indian cities this type of treatment is tried out. It is claimed that the medicine Eupatorium perf can prevent Chikungunya infection. Other medicines prescribed for the disease include Pyroginum, Rhus-tox, Cedron, Influenzinum, China and Arnica

Preventive Medicine For Chikungunya :-

Balasanjeevi Tablet is given in the water boiled with cumin seeds (jeeragam) and thulasi. This when given regularly acts as a best preventive medicine against Chikungunya

Note:- Before taking Medicine consult to your Doctor.