Keywords
Chikungunya; Aedes; Southeast Asia; Central Africa
Abstract
After being discovered on the borders of Mozambique and Tanzania in 1952, the Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) is now classified as a category C priority pathogen, as it has spread to over 40 countries worldwide. As the virus circulates through either human or mosquito vectors, it is important to closely monitor its progression within vulnerable countries, as it mimics the tenacity of other dangerous diseases such as the Dengue virus and more recently the Zika virus that has caused an outbreak in Brazil and has spread to other Latin American regions. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the Chikungunya viral infection by relating the history with the spread of the disease as well as its impact on global populations. Understanding the transmission of the virus, as well as its current spread (in relation to Central / East Africa), will enable conclusions to be made about which treatment and prevention methods should be implemented in order to target those specific demographics. The demographics that were found to have the highest prevalence of Chikungunya include Southeast Asia and Central Africa. Since this virus has the ability for global spread, containing it and preventing further spread, requires preventative measures that must be undertaken globally.
Citation
Sanyaolu A, Okorie C, Badaru O, Wynveen E, White S, Wallace W, et al. Chikungunya Epidemiology: A Global Perspective. SM J Public Health Epidemiol. 2016; 2(2): 1028.