Everything to Know About Chikungunya: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Insurance

Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes. The word chikungunya means “bends you up,” as this infection causes severe joint and muscle pain. Initially found only in Africa and Asia, chikungunya has spread rapidly since 2004 and now threatens over a third of the global population. India records approximately 10,000 confirmed cases of the disease every year.

While there is no specific chikungunya treatment, managing chikungunya symptoms can help patients recover faster. Chikungunya is not a life-threatening disease and most people get better in a few weeks. However, the joint and muscle pain can last for months. 

Chikungunya Symptoms

Chikungunya symptoms appear within 2 to 7 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are:

• High Fever – The fever begins suddenly and is often accompanied by chills.
• Pain and Swelling in Joints – Severe joint pain, especially in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet. This pain and swelling can last for weeks.
• Headaches – People often complain of persistent headaches.
• Rash – An itchy rash can appear on the body, especially on the hands and legs.
• Nausea and vomiting – Some patients with chikungunya symptoms experience gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Conjunctivitis – Redness and swelling of the eyes in many patients.

Causes of Chikungunya

When a mosquito bites a person suffering from chikungunya, it becomes a carrier of the disease-causing virus. Chikungunya is usually spread by the Aedes mosquito, which is more active during the daytime.

Once this mosquito bites another person, it infects them with the chikungunya virus. This virus does not spread through physical contact or body fluids.

Prevention of Chikungunya

Prevention is always better than cure, so stay safe from mosquitoes. The preventive measures include:

• Using mosquito repellents
• Wearing protective and long-sleeved clothing,
• Using mosquito nets
• Eliminating stagnant water
• Installing window screens and keeping doors and windows closed
• Cleaning plant pots and gutters regularly

Treatment Options for Chikungunya

There is no specific chikungunya treatment. However, chikungunya symptoms can be managed in the following ways:

• Taking Proper Rest – Ample rest is needed to help the body recover, as the disease can cause fatigue and weakness.
• Drinking Lots of fluids – Intake of fluids to avoid dehydration is essential.
• Medication for Pain Relief – Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol reduce fever as well as alleviate joint and muscle pain.
• Hospitalisation – In severe cases of chikungunya symptoms, hospitalisation may be necessary for supportive care. Depending on the symptoms the patient is exhibiting, analgesics, antipyretics, and fluid supplements are used to manage Chikungunya.

Heath Insurance for Chikungunya

Insurance for chikungunya patients depends on your health policy. Most comprehensive health insurance policies cover vector-borne diseases. Many health insurance companies in India also offer health insurance for chikungunya as an add-on to the basic health insurance plan. There are special plans that cover the risk independently as well. These plans also cover both inpatient and outpatient medical expenses.

Before buying a policy, make sure to check if it offers the following benefits:

• Pre-Hospitalisation Cover – At least 15 days of pre-hospitalisation cover, including expenses for diagnostic tests, doctor consultations, and medicines.
• Diagnostic Cover – Coverage for the Ab IG G/M test, which is necessary for diagnosing chikungunya.
• OPD Benefits – Consultation costs, investigative test costs, and day treatment at the hospital.
• Medicine and Related Cover – Cost of the prescribed drugs for chikungunya symptoms and other expenses incurred in treating the disease.
• Ambulance Cover – Quick and free transport to the hospital if the patient’s condition deteriorates severely.
• Hospitalisation Cover – Cashless coverage for hospital treatment, room rent, and ICU charges at network hospitals.

Always remember to check your policy’s waiting period. It should be about 60 days after purchasing the insurance plan. You can also confirm if the policy offers a free lock-in period of at least 15 days.

Lastly, to get full insurance benefits, you need a documented diagnosis of chikungunya from a certified medical practitioner, along with blood and serological test reports. Along with this, keep other relevant documents ready at all times and familiarise yourself with the claim process to stay prepared.

Key Takeaways

Vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya are common in India. While not life-threatening, chikungunya can cause considerable discomfort and complications. With medical costs rising, don’t forget to invest in health insurance for chikungunya to stay stress-free and safe at all times. Make sure to do thorough research and choose a policy that gives full cover to you and your family. Using platforms such as PhonePe can simplify the process of selecting and buying the right health insurance.