Course Management of Prevalent Infections in Children Following a Disaster

Chikungunya virus, which like dengue is transmitted to people by Aedes species mosquitoes, causes a febrile illness that initially may be indistinguishable from dengue. Infection is characterized by fever, myalgia, and lethargy. Additional symptoms may include a maculopapular rash, nausea, vomiting, and headache. The infection may progress to debilitating bilateral polyarthralgia and, in some cases, arthritis. The virus is endemic in many countries Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In late 2013, chikungunya virus was found for the first time in the Americas on islands in the Caribbean and it has now become endemic throughout the Caribbean and tropical areas of Latin America. Chikungunya infection is rarely fatal compared to dengue. However, Chikungunya virus, which like dengue is transmitted to people by Aedes species mosquitoes, causes a febrile illness that initially may be indistinguishable from dengue. Infection is characterized by fever, myalgia, and lethargy. Additional symptoms may include a maculopapular rash, nausea, vomiting, and headache. The infection may progress to debilitating bilateral polyarthralgia and, in some cases, arthritis. The virus is endemic in many countries Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In late 2013, chikungunya virus was found for the first time in the Americas on islands in the Caribbean and it has now become endemic throughout the Caribbean and tropical areas of Latin America. Chikungunya infection is rarely fatal compared to dengue. However, roidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin and ibuprofen) should be avoided and fever and pain should be managed with acetaminophen. Prevention by avoiding mosquito bites remains the most effective strategy for both dengue and chikunguya.