A.V. Deshpande, Pune
Chikungunya
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an insect-borne virus, of the genus Alphavirus, that is
transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes.The Chikungunya epidemic currently
attacked millions of people in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala
Symptoms:
Sudden onset of flu-like symptoms include a severe headache, chills, fever (104°F), joint pain, backache, nausea, vomiting, petechial or maculopapular rash usually involving the limbs and trunks. Joint pain may be shifting type from one joint to other. Mainly affects the small joints of the hands, wrists, ankles and feet with lesser involvement of the larger joints. Morning stiffness may persist for months. Redness of eyes is also seen. Haemorrhage is rare. Extreme degree of prostration lasts for a variable period, usually for about 5 to 7 days.
Diagnosis:
Isolation of the virus from blood. It is possible in the first 4-5 days of illness. The diagnostic tests include detection of antigens or antibodies in the blood, using ELISA
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis is characterized by sneezing, watering of nostrils, nasal passage obstruction, itching of nose, eyes, watering of eyes occurring after allergen exposure. It may be seasonal. It is generally seen in persons with family history of collateral allergy expressed as, eczema, dermatitis, urticaria and or asthma. A person might me allergic to several things at a time.
Symptoms:
Sudden onset of flu-like symptoms include a severe headache, chills, fever (104°F), joint pain, backache, nausea, vomiting, petechial or maculopapular rash usually involving the limbs and trunks. Joint pain may be shifting type from one joint to other. Mainly affects the small joints of the hands, wrists, ankles and feet with lesser involvement of the larger joints. Morning stiffness may persist for months. Redness of eyes is also seen. Haemorrhage is rare. Extreme degree of prostration lasts for a variable period, usually for about 5 to 7 days.
Diagnosis:
Isolation of the virus from blood. It is possible in the first 4-5 days of illness. The diagnostic tests include detection of antigens or antibodies in the blood, using ELISA