Television star Mahhi Vij is currently battling chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral infection that also affected her daughter’s nanny. This news was confirmed by her husband, actor Jay Bhanushali, who shared how the family is managing during this challenging time. While Mahhi recovers in the hospital, Jay has taken on the responsibility of caring for their daughter, Tara, and maintaining the household.

The incident highlights the growing concern over mosquito-borne diseases, especially chikungunya, and raises important questions about its symptoms, contagiousness, and prevention measures.

What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. The disease gets its name from the Makonde language, meaning “to become contorted,” a reference to the severe joint pain that patients often experience, which leaves them hunched over. Although chikungunya is not typically life-threatening, it can cause debilitating symptoms that may persist for weeks, months, or even years in some cases.

Symptoms of Chikungunya

The hallmark symptoms of chikungunya are high fever and joint pain, both of which can develop within three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In Mahhi Vij’s case, these symptoms were severe enough to warrant hospitalization, a measure commonly taken to manage pain and fever under medical supervision. Common symptoms of chikungunya include:

• Sudden high fever
• Intense joint pain, often crippling
• Muscle pain
• Headaches
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Nausea and general discomfort

While most people recover fully within a week, joint pain can persist in some individuals for several months, affecting their daily activities. The intensity of these symptoms can vary, and some individuals may experience very mild symptoms or mistake the virus for another illness, making diagnosis difficult without proper medical testing.

How Does Chikungunya Spread?

Unlike diseases like the flu, chikungunya is not spread through human-to-human contact. The virus is transmitted exclusively through mosquito bites. The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are responsible for spreading the disease, with the former being more active during the day and the latter during dawn and dusk. Although chikungunya does not spread through direct contact with an infected person, other rare forms of transmission exist. For example:

• Mother-to-child transmission: This can occur during pregnancy or childbirth, though it is uncommon.
• Blood transfusion: In very rare cases, the virus has been transmitted through infected blood.
• Laboratory exposure: Health workers handling infected blood samples are also at risk of accidental transmission.

The virus cannot be passed through saliva or touch, and casual contact with an infected person poses no risk.

Controlling the Spread of Chikungunya

Chikungunya outbreaks can be difficult to manage, but prevention and mosquito control are key to minimizing the spread of the virus. As the disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, the focus should be on reducing mosquito populations and preventing bites. Some preventive measures include:

Also Read: Lucknow Sees Spike In Dengue And Malaria: 61 Dengue, 4 Malaria Cases Reported In A Day

• Wearing protective clothing: Long sleeves and pants can help shield skin from mosquito bites.
• Using insect repellents: Applying repellents that contain DEET or picaridin can effectively ward off mosquitoes.
• Eliminating standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it’s important to remove any standing water around the house, such as in flower pots, buckets, and gutters.
• Using mosquito nets and screens: These physical barriers prevent mosquitoes from entering living spaces and reduce the chances of bites, particularly at night.
• Avoiding peak mosquito activity hours: The Aedes mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so staying indoors during these times can minimize exposure.

Bottomline

While Mahhi Vij and her family’s nanny recover from chikungunya, their situation serves as a reminder of the importance of mosquito control and disease prevention. Although the virus itself is not highly contagious between people, it can cause significant discomfort and long-term symptoms in those infected. By taking proactive measures to avoid mosquito bites and eliminating breeding grounds, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting chikungunya and other mosquito-borne illnesses. 

As Mahhi continues her recovery, her family and fans will undoubtedly remain hopeful for her swift return to good health, while also gaining awareness of the preventive actions needed to curb such infections.