In recent weeks, in El Salvador and in some countries of the world has known about a new disease of great importance, which is affecting the population of our country in places like Ayutuxtepeque, Mejicanos, San Ildefonso and San Salvador. Therefore, it is important to know about this disease, detailing some settlers with the name of “bone breaker”, but it is actually the virus of Chiquingunya.
History of the virus
Actually this is not a new disease (although if it is in El Salvador). The Chiquingunya was detected for the first time in 1953 in Tanzania. However, it has been in the last decade when there has been further development of this disease in the world.
El Salvador has been the first country in central america to report the first case, on May 22, 2014, through a patient who had pain in their joints. On the American continent was detected for the first time in December of 2013.
What causes the virus
Responsible for transmitting this virus is mosquito or mosquito called Aedes aegypti, which transmits dengue fever. Mosquitoes that bite a person infected with the virus, can transmit it to another person. Specifically is the mosquito or mosquito female which bites, since he needs blood to lay eggs.
What are the symptoms
The Chiquingunya symptoms are first of all a strong fever that can last up to three days and with a temperature higher than 40 degrees. Also feel very strong joints pain, these can last even months after the disease appeared.
Other symptoms presenting this disease are skin rash, which can last for about five days and loss of appetite.
While it is not a disease causing as many deaths as dengue, if it can cause disability in the joints. Virus Chiquingunya mortality rate is 0.4% in under a year. In general this disease usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Their effects can last several months or even up to two years.
Who are more likely to
Children under one year, the elderly over 60 years of age, pregnant women (as they may have deficiencies in the fetus), diabetic patients with hypertension.
Treatment
Currently there is no curative treatment. Applies only a symptomatic treatment with acetaminophen. It is not self-medicate and before any symptoms go to the nearest health unit.
How to prevent virus
The only way to prevent this virus is destroying mosquito breeding sites, which increase especially in the rainy season. It is recommended to place bags of abate in batteries or barrels containing water and wash them every three days. It is also advisable to place meshes against insects in the windows of his house, put on bed nets to prevent bites while sleeping, or use insect repellents on the skin.
