Abstract

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION OF CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS

Hanumant P Gutte, Prashant B Ghayal, Adarsh Y Mane, Bhushan S Kolekar, Asawe

Abstract

Chikungunya infection (CHIKV) is an infection that is making worldwide worries due it causing numerous flare-ups. This review focuses on examining the epidemiology as well as the global distribution of CHIKV. Most CHIKV infections are transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, who cause fever, swollen joints and pain to the patient. CHIKV first revealed in Tanzania in 1952. Since then, more than 60 countries have been affected by this virus including the Indian subcontinent, Italian peninsulas, Caribbean isles, parts of the Americas as well as South East Asian regions. The distribution of CHIKV globally depends on the climate, the level of urbanization as well as travel. While climate and distribution of mosquitoes have effect on the risk for chikungunya, due to urbanization, these viruses have spread because of increased vector density and increased transmission. The epidemiological attributes of CHIKV are an incubation period of 2-12 Days, Aedes mosquitoes as the vector, Attack rate in the range of 30-70 percent and 0.1 to 1.5 percent of case fatality rate. Other factors related to risk involved in the transmission of CHIKV also include climate, urbanization, travel, vector control as well as behaviors of people. Control and prevention strategies include these: vector control, vaccination, personal protection, surveillance, and public education. Vaccine Candidates are being tested, but none has been approved. This review has focused on the importance of further development of vaccines, enhancement of vector control measures as well as research on CHIKV as there is an upsurge in its distribution. Publi c awareness and Biological modification programs are significant to mitigate the outbreaks and explain the spread of such diseases. It is important to understand the epidemiology and geographical spread of CHIKV in order to formulate appropriate measures f or its prevention and spread control. This audit gives important experiences into the worldwide dispersion, transmission elements, and counteraction and control measures for CHIKV.

Keywords: Chikungunya virus, epidemiology, geographic spread, mechanisms o f transmission, measures to reduce infection and management.