Chikungunya cases tend to rise during the monsoon season, causing high fever and severe joint pain that may last for months. Firstpost talked to expert to understand the nuances of this viral infection and how patients can navigate the recovery process effectively.
As monsoon showers bring relief from the summer heat, they also mark the return of mosquito-borne diseases across many parts of India. Chikungunya, a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes is once again surfacing as a major public health concern during the rainy season.
While the illness is rarely fatal, its hallmark symptom debilitating joint pain can linger for weeks or even months, disrupting daily life and mobility. With symptoms often overlapping with dengue and other viral fevers, early recognition, correct treatment and preventive measures are crucial to avoid complications and prolonged recovery.
Firstpost talked to Dr Bikramaditya Deb, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital (Patparganj) to know how Chikungunya affects the body, the right treatment approach, warning signs that require hospitalisation and why long-term joint pain is common after the infection.
What is Chikungunya and how does it spread?
Dr Bikramaditya: Chikungunya is a viral fever spread to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes—specifically the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus varieties. These mosquitoes usually bite during the day. During the rainy season, they breed in small amounts of stagnant water found in flower pots, coolers, and discarded tires, which leads to sudden outbreaks in the community.
What are the early symptoms and when do they appear?
Dr Bikramaditya: Symptoms usually show up 3 to 7 days after being bitten. The most common signs are:
*A sudden, very high fever.
*Intense joint pain (often in the hands, feet, and knees) that can be quite disabling.
*Headaches, muscle aches, and a red skin rash that usually appears a few days into the fever.
How is it diagnosed and how is it different from dengue?
Dr Bikramaditya: A doctor confirms the diagnosis through a blood test. It is very easy to confuse Chikungunya with Dengue or a common viral fever because the symptoms are similar.
While both cause high fever, Chikungunya is known for causing much more severe joint swelling and pain. Unlike Dengue, it rarely causes dangerous internal bleeding or a life-threatening drop in platelet counts.
Who is most at risk of getting seriously ill?
Dr Bikramaditya: Most people recover well but we must take extra care of:
Senior citizens (65+): They are more likely to have long-term joint issues.
Newborn babies: Especially if the mother had the fever during delivery.
People with existing health issues: Those with diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems should be monitored closely.
What is the standard treatment and which medicines should be avoided?
Dr Bikramaditya: There is no “magic pill” or antibiotic to kill the virus; your body must fight it off naturally.
What to do: Get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids (water, coconut water, or ORS), and take Paracetamol for the fever and pain.
What to avoid: Do not take Aspirin or common painkillers like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac during the first few days. If your illness turns out to be Dengue instead of Chikungunya, these medicines can cause dangerous bleeding. Always ask a doctor before taking any painkiller.
How common is long-term joint pain and how is it managed?
Dr Bikramaditya: It is very common. About 30% to 40% of patients continue to feel joint pain for weeks or even months after the fever is gone. This is best managed with gentle exercise, physical therapy and specific medicines prescribed by your doctor once the initial infection has passed.
Can it lead to serious complications?
Serious complications are rare but can happen. In some cases, the virus can affect the eyes, heart, or brain. Patients who already have weak immune systems or other chronic diseases need to be extra cautious and stay in touch with their doctor.
When should a patient go to the hospital?
Dr Bikramaditya: Most people can recover at home, but seek hospital care immediately if you notice:
*The patient cannot stop vomiting or keep fluids down.
*Confusion, extreme sleepiness, or fainting.
*A sudden decrease in how much the patient urinates.
*A fever that does not come down even after taking paracetamol.
How can we prevent infection and is there a vaccine?
Dr Bikramaditya: The best way to stay safe is to stop mosquitoes from breeding. Empty any water from containers around your house once a week. Use mosquito nets, wear long-sleeved clothes, and apply mosquito repellent creams on exposed skin. As of early 2026, while some vaccines have been developed globally, there is currently no vaccine available for general public use in India. For now, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is your best defence.
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