Do not attempt self-treatment if you experience symptoms of Chikungunya.

There is a high risk of Chikungunya disease entering Vietnam through people entering the country carrying the pathogen. The symptoms of Chikungunya are similar to those of Dengue fever, but joint pain and swelling are often more pronounced.

Chikungunya was first documented in 1952. The disease is not transmitted directly from person to person but through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes (the same type of mosquito that transmits dengue fever). Symptoms of Chikungunya appear 4 to 8 days (ranging from 2 to 12 days) after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

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The disease is characterized by a high fever, sudden onset, often accompanied by severe joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include: joint stiffness, arthritis, headache, fatigue, and rash.

The symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever, but joint pain and swelling are often more pronounced. Dengue fever, on the other hand, typically presents with more extensive bleeding.

People should not self-treat at home. If they suspect they have the disease, they should immediately go to the nearest medical facility for timely advice, examination, and treatment. According to the Department of Disease Prevention ( Ministry of Health ), the infectious disease surveillance system in Vietnam has not yet recorded any reported cases of Chikungunya from local areas.

However, Chikungunya outbreaks are on the rise in several countries in the region, particularly in China. Meanwhile, the Aedes mosquito that transmits the disease has also spread to many localities in our country. Therefore, there is a high risk of the disease entering our country through people entering the country carrying the pathogen.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease and no cure, only symptomatic treatment. Patients need rest, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration; and use medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol to reduce fever and pain.

Absolutely do not use Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs unless Dengue fever has been ruled out, in order to minimize the risk of bleeding.

Two types of Chikungunya vaccines have been approved by regulatory authorities and/or recommended for use in at-risk populations in some countries, but these vaccines have not yet been widely available or used.

The WHO and external experts are reviewing vaccine trial data and post-marketing data in the context of the global Chikungunya epidemic to make recommendations for possible use.

In order to proactively control and prevent the epidemic, the Ministry of Health has issued a document to the People's Committees of provinces and cities requesting them to strengthen epidemic surveillance at border gates, medical facilities, and in the community to detect suspected cases early, especially in areas with people returning from epidemic zones.

The Ministry also directed the Departments of Health in provinces and cities to strengthen surveillance and early detection of suspected cases to thoroughly handle outbreaks from the first case; at the same time, to organize well the readiness for patient admission and treatment, and to prioritize expertise to avoid hospital overload.

The Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology, the Pasteur Institute, and hospitals under the Ministry of Health are strengthening their guidance on the prevention and control of Chikungunya disease in their respective areas, especially in border provinces; providing professional and technical guidance to localities on monitoring and treating patients, thoroughly handling outbreaks, and organizing inspection and monitoring teams to support areas at risk of outbreaks...

Measures to prevent Chikungunya disease

- Individuals returning from countries or regions experiencing an increase in Chikungunya outbreaks: They should proactively monitor their health for 12 days; if any unusual health symptoms (such as fever, joint pain, rash, etc.) appear, they should immediately go to a medical facility for examination, consultation, and timely treatment.

- Residents in households and residential areas should cover all water containers tightly to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs; weekly implement measures to kill mosquito larvae by releasing fish into large water containers; washing medium and small water containers, turning over empty containers; changing the water in flower vases; adding salt, oil, or larvicidal chemicals to water bowls placed under cupboard legs.

- People should pay attention to sleeping under mosquito nets and wearing long clothing to protect against mosquito bites, even during the day; and actively cooperate with the health sector in chemical spraying campaigns to prevent and control the epidemic.

- People traveling or working in areas where Chikungunya cases are on the rise should proactively take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. They should also monitor their health and report any symptoms similar to Chikungunya to the health authorities.

phunuvietnam.vn

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/khong-nen-tu-y-dieu-tri-khi-co-dau-hieu-mac-chikungunya-post879688.html