Chikungunya to infest the Americas

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In summary, a team of researchers warn that chikungunya virus is poised to become epidemic in the Americas, especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil. This is due to the fact that the same mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever, a virus that Brazil already reports high incidence of, can also transmit chikungunya. However, it is important to note that this article is from two years ago and Zika virus is currently causing more concern. All three viruses have been in the environment for centuries, but it is believed that human activity and increase in travel have helped them spread. The symptoms and effects of the viruses differ, with Zika being of less concern to non-pregnant individuals. However, all three viruses are transmitted by the
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wolram
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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140407122751.htm

A team of French and Brazilian researchers warn that chikungunya virus is poised to invade, and become epidemic in the Americas according to research published ahead of print in the Journal of Virology.

The risk of a "catastrophic" epidemic in the Americas is boosted by the FIFA World Cup, to be held in Brazil next month, what with people coming in from near and from far, says corresponding author Ricardo Lourenco-de-Oliveira of the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil annually reports the highest incidence of dengue, a virus that is transmitted by Aedes aegyptiand Aedes albopictus, the same mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya, he says.

Where the heck are all these originating from?
 
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  • #2
Check the date on the article: It's from two years ago. They probably picked the wrong flavivirus, as Zika virus, not Dengue or chikungunya, is causing the most concern at present.
 
  • #3
wolram said:
Where the heck are all these originating from?

As far as I can find, they've been in the environment for centuries. They now spread because human population has increase in density and there is increase mobility, particularly intercontinental travel. Human activity may also have reduced populations of birds (other animals?) and insects (arachnids?) that feed on mosquitoes.

http://www.cdc.gov/dengue/
http://www.cdc.gov/dengue/entomologyEcology/climate.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengue_fever

http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/
http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/
http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/

http://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/
 
  • #4
Ygggdrasil said:
Check the date on the article: It's from two years ago. They probably picked the wrong flavivirus, as Zika virus, not Dengue or chikungunya, is causing the most concern at present.
What you say is true and it sucks that it is that way with the news and media because despite all the commotion and talks, it is less lethal than Dengue and Chikungunya and symptoms are less aggressive on the host. It simply became famous because of what happens to pregnant woman's babies.

Source (symptoms) (I copied them from Astronuc's post): Zika vs Chikungunya vs Dengue

Putting the symptoms and effects of the viruses in a balance, Zika should be of little concern to not-pregnant people imo. Although that doesn't imply it should be ignored. In the end it is the same kind of mosquito that can transmit all of the 3 diseases. Which probably answers Wolram question:
wolram said:
Where the heck are all these originating from?
From the same kind of mosquito.
 
  • #5
mosanto. the company. notice how mosanto and mosquito sound similar? :wideeyed::nb)
i said. it. there. ugh oh. i am smartest person in the king of the world.

anyways. as a killing agent, a mosquito is probably the best weapon, it produces so many and it travels because a human will get the virus and travel/
meaning if you travel a lot like some people you can acquire many viruses via mosquito. if your blood is exceptional. they will love you in asia and west indies.
 
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  • #6
jw6661 said:
mosanto. the company. notice how mosanto and mosquito sound similar? :wideeyed::nb)
i said. it. there. ugh oh. i am smartest person in the king of the world.

anyways. as a killing agent, a mosquito is probably the best weapon, it produces so many and it travels because a human will get the virus and travel/
meaning if u travel a lot like some people u can acquire many viruses via mosquito. if ur blood is exceptional. they will love u in asia and west indies.
This sounds old, classic but still so good. Uhm...Oh...OK.
 
  • #7
jw6661 said:
mosanto. the company. notice how mosanto and mosquito sound similar?
Monsanto and mosquito don't sound similar to me.
 
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Related to Chikungunya to infest the Americas

1. What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. The name comes from a word in the Kimakonde language, meaning "to become contorted," referring to the severe joint pain that is a common symptom of the disease.

2. How did Chikungunya infest the Americas?

Chikungunya was first identified in Africa in the 1950s, but it quickly spread to other parts of the world, including Asia and Europe. In 2013, the first cases of locally transmitted Chikungunya were reported in the Caribbean, and it has since spread to many countries in the Americas.

3. What are the symptoms of Chikungunya?

The most common symptoms of Chikungunya are fever and joint pain, with other possible symptoms including headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. Most people infected with Chikungunya will experience symptoms, but they are usually not life-threatening.

4. How is Chikungunya treated?

There is currently no specific treatment for Chikungunya. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, such as using pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications for joint pain. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for supportive care.

5. How can Chikungunya be prevented?

The best way to prevent Chikungunya is to avoid being bitten by infected mosquitoes. This can be done by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Travelers to areas with Chikungunya outbreaks should also take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

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