What is the treatment of chikungunya fever?
There is no vaccine or specific treatment available against CHIK V infection. Fortunately, the illness is usually self-limiting and resolves with time. Supportive therapy with antipyretics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to control fever and joint pain. Fever usually disappears after 2-3 days. Muscle and joint pain, which can be very severe usually lasts for about 5-7 days but in some cases may linger for much longer periods. Elderly patients in particular may suffer muscle and joint pain for several months. Skin discolouration and rash can be treated with sunscreens and topical corticosteroids. Skin rash on the face appears to resolve completely within about 3 weeks, whilst resolution is a little longer when other parts of the body are affected. Ulcers should be cleaned and treated with topical antimicrobials to prevent secondary infections. These usually heal within 7-10 days. More severe lesions may require systemic steroid treatment.
