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Chikungunya

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The disease Chikungunya, which first emerged in Bandung, West Java, in December 2002, leads to symptoms similar to those of dengue fever, and is caused by a flavivirus (Alpha virus), which is transmitted by the mosquito "Aedes aegypti". It has been spreading across Indonesia during the rainy season, particularly in regions with high rainfall levels.

The disease is not life threatening, but those affected could be physically weak for a fairly long time before recovery. It often starts with symptoms of flu, including high fever, followed by body pains, and pains in the legs. The pain can be so severe, that patients become unable to walk, and physically bedridden. Based on The Jakarta Post's monitoring of five hospitals and a number of health centres in Kupang, 50 to 100 chikungunya patients
have been admitted daily over the past few weeks, the disease also affected more than 100 people in Yogyakarta, Central Java.

Expatriates may be affected in the areas of West Java and Central Java, where the disease is still spreading. Cases were also reported from West Timor and Sulawesi. There is no specific test to diagnose the infection, and treatment will be symptomatic as for any other viral infection. Prevention of mosquito bites through repellents, bed nets, and cleaning of potential breeding grounds around the house is paramount, as no vaccination is
available.

The virus has sometimes been related to the African O'nyong-nyong virus from the same group, which has similar disease producing potentials. But lately the Chikungunya virus has been defined as a clearly distinct "Alpha virus" on its own.

For more information on avoiding the bite of mosquitos, read the articles on Dengue Fever and Malaria.

Our appreciation to Dr. Uwe Stocker, Coordinating Doctor of International SOS, An AEA Company who has contributed this article to assist expatriate families in Indonesia.

If you have medical-related questions about living in Indonesia to ask of medical professionals, see Ask the Experts.

Practical Information for foreigners, expats and expatriates moving to Indonesia - find out about housing, schooling, transport, shopping and more to prepare you for your stay in Indonesia

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