[The Chikungunya virus]

Ann Biol Clin (Paris). 2007 Jul-Aug;65(4):349-56.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a member of the Alphavirus genus, represents a real public health problem in tropical regions of the Southeast Asia and Africa. It is transmitted to the man by Aedes mosquitoes and the illness, known as Chikungunya, is characterized by fever, eruptions and invalidating arthralgia. An increased surveillance in tropical and subtropical areas is necessary, as far as we have noticed recently the emergence of this new disease in regions where it had never existed before. The epidemic context is of a high importance for diagnosis. It is very important to know the clinical characteristics of the infection, to detect forms rarely or never described previously. Permanence of a highly technical core in specialized laboratories will allow, fast, specific and differential diagnosis. The knowledge of the epidemiological chain of transmission from reservoir, still unknown, to the host aims to protect populations by limiting the risks of exposure when it is possible. The only prevention measures available are individual protection against mosquitoes and antivectorial fight, in the absence of specific antiviral treatment and vaccine.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aedes / virology
  • Africa
  • Alphavirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Alphavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Alphavirus Infections / transmission
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Asia
  • Chikungunya virus* / growth & development
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents