Chikungunya fever

Abstract

The Chikungunya fever is caused by an RNA alphavirus (CHIKV) that belongs to the Togaviridae family- which was described in 1953. Since then, there have been epidemics in Africa, Asia and more recently in the West Indies. Due to the high risk of importation and transmission of the virus, the disease has become important. This literature review aims to update knowledge about the Chikungunya fever. It is transmitted by two vectors, Aedes aegypti and albopictus. Humans are the main reservoir in epidemic periods. After 3 to 7 days of incubation, fever, arthralgias, headache occurs. Mild thrombocytopenia, leucopenia with lympho-penia is observed in blood tests. The previously infected individuals are at risk of becoming infected and developing the disease, and infants and elderly patiens are most likely to develop more severe forms. Transmission from mother to child is common in maternal intrapartum viremia, and leads to infection. Mortality is low, but the inflammatory arthropathy arthralgia / destructive arthritis can compromise the quality of life of patients affected. Given the introduction of CHIKV in the region, early detection, proper and prompt response are necessary to minimize the risk of importation and transmission of CHIKV.

Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 5, No. 1 & 2 / April 2014 - March 2015: 371-377