There is no specific antiviral drug treatment for chikungunya and there is no commercial chikungunya vaccine however several vaccines are currently under development.
There is no specific antiviral drug treatment for chikungunya and there is no commercial chikungunya vaccine. Treatment is directed primarily at relieving the symptoms, including joint pain. This is largely achieved by using anti-pyretic drugs to reduce
fever, by optimising the use of pain medication and by administering fluids. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be administered until dengue can be ruled out in order to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Prevention and control rely heavily on reducing the number of water-filled habitats that allow mosquitoes to breed. During outbreaks, insecticides may be sprayed to kill flying mosquitoes; applied to surfaces in and around the abovementioned water-filled
habitats where the mosquitoes land; and used to treat these habitats to kill the immature larvae.
For protection during outbreaks of chikungunya, clothing which minimizes skin exposure to day-biting mosquitoes is advised. Repellents can be applied to exposed skin or to clothing in strict accordance with product label instructions.
For those who sleep during the daytime, particularly young children or sick or older people, insecticide-treated mosquito nets afford good protection. Mosquito coils or other insecticide vaporizers may also reduce indoor biting.
Chikungunya vaccine pipeline