A patient
called her podiatrist for an
appointment this week as she had been suffering with chikungunya and she needed
some therapy on her joints.
Naturally
some research was required (as this was something not encountered
previously!) and we thought you may like
to share our findings. Interestingly, Chikungunya is caused by a mosquito type
bite and is most common in hotter lands than the UK; although there have been reported outbreaks as
close as Northern Europe. Not
surprisingly, Chikungunya is on the increase.
Countries with
reported local transmission of chikungunya virus (as of July 2014)
Chikungunya is a virus and is transmitted by aggressive
biting mosquitoes, which attack during the day. Once infected , the person has a
high fever and severely debilitating painful joints, very often in their hands
and feet. Our lady suffered severe vomiting and was hospitalised for a number
of days. She was weakened and the painful joints made it difficult for her to
walk. The mosquito responsible in her case, was very large and she witnessed
the bite.
Outbreaks
have previously been reported in Africa, Asia, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Although the virus has been reported since the 1950's, the incidence has been
mainly in developing countries and sadly little interest was shown. An outbreak
in the French colony of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean during 2005 motivated
France to invest in research. The first
transmission of the virus in the Caribbean, was reported in 2013. So be aware
if you are travelling to this popular destination.
