The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) in Dhaka has reported the presence of chikungunya in the capital city of Dhaka, advising the public to be aware of the mosquito borne virus.
According to a BDNews24 report Wednesday, the IEDCR only confirmed the presence of chikungunya in the capital after testing bloods from households of four different corners.
The report notes that IEDCR director, Prof. Rahman said their team had collected blood samples in Aug and Sep last year from every 10th house, a total of 600 people, in the Sutrapur, Dhanmondhi, Motijheel and Mohakhali areas.
After looking at the data, Rahman said they had found recent infections in 33 percent people among the tested blood. In addition, three percent have been found with past infections.
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) Fact Sheet, Chikungunya is a viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain.Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.
The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.
The proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for chikungunya. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
The disease occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In recent decades mosquito vectors of chikungunya have spread to Europe and the Americas. In 2007, disease transmission was reported for the first time in Europe, in a localized outbreak in north-eastern Italy.
The CDC notes there is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent chikungunya. People can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.
