Treatment of Chikungunya
There are no specific drugs to cure chikungunya. Treatment is primarily aimed at relieving the symptoms, such as fever and joint pain. There has been no effective vaccine developed to prevent chikungunya.
Supportive care and rest is indicated during acute joint symptoms. Movement and mild exercise may improve morning stiffness and joint pains.
In unresolved arthritis that does not respond to aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), Chloroquine Phosphate (250 mg/day) has given some promising results. Some studies have also shown that Chloroquine has some antiviral activity against this virus. However, these are not conclusive studies.
Infected persons should be protected from further mosquito exposure, by staying indoors and/or under a mosquito net during the first few days of illness, so that they do not contribute to the transmission cycle.
