Chikungunya Disease in Myanmar

If you've recently moved to Myanmar or are planning to, it's essential to be aware of Chikungunya Disease, spread by mosquitoes. This illness is frequently confused with the Zika Virus, and many suffer from persistent joint pain after recovering from the initial symptoms.

Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne disease that has been a significant health concern in many parts of the world, including Myanmar. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Chikungunya virus in Myanmar, its symptoms, prevalence, prevention methods, and its impact on different age groups and those with compromised immunity.

What is Chikungunya Disease?

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The symptoms usually appear between 4 and 8 days after the mosquito bite and can include high fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. The joint pain is often debilitating and can last for weeks or months, and in some cases, years. While the disease is rarely fatal, the symptoms can be severe and disabling. There is no specific treatment for Chikungunya, and care is based on relieving the symptoms.

Where is Chikungunya Most Prevalent in Myanmar?

Chikungunya virus has been reported in various parts of Myanmar, with outbreaks often occurring during the rainy season when mosquito populations are high. The disease is more prevalent in urban and semi-urban areas where the primary vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, are commonly found. Regions with poor sanitation and stagnant water are particularly at risk as these conditions provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

How do Expats in Myanmar Prevent Mosquito Bites?

Preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to avoid Chikungunya. Expats in Myanmar are advised to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and ensure their accommodations are mosquito-proof by using window and door screens or air conditioning. It's also recommended to avoid areas with high mosquito activity, especially during peak biting times, which for Aedes mosquitoes are during the early morning and late afternoon. Eliminating mosquito breeding sites, such as containers with standing water, is also crucial in controlling mosquito populations.

What if I get Chikungunya Virus in Myanmar?

If you suspect you have contracted Chikungunya virus in Myanmar, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately. While there is no specific antiviral drug treatment for Chikungunya, symptomatic treatment is available to help manage the symptoms. This can include medication for fever and pain, adequate rest, and plenty of fluids. It's also important to avoid mosquito bites to prevent further spread of the virus.

Is Chikungunya Virus Contagious?

Chikungunya virus is not directly contagious from person to person. The virus requires a mosquito as a vector to transmit the disease. When a mosquito bites an infected person, it can pick up the virus and then spread it to other people through bites. However, in rare cases, the virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her newborn around the time of birth, or possibly through a blood transfusion.

Is Chikungunya Virus More Dangerous for Children, Elderly or Immune-Compromised?

While Chikungunya virus can affect individuals of all ages, severe cases are more likely to occur in infants, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. These individuals often have a harder time fighting off the virus and are more likely to experience complications. In particular, people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure are at higher risk of severe disease. Therefore, it's especially important for these high-risk groups to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.