From the Editor
Suddenly in this pre-summer hotspell - the country-especially the Dhaka Metropolis is experiencing alarming outbreak of Chikungunya fever - a viral fever caused by aedis mosquito. So far, during last couple of week there has been about 200 cases identified by physicians. But informal estimate may be more.
Chikungunya resembles Dengue in many ways - caused by the bite of aedis mosquito, main signs and symptoms in both fevers are high temperature, bodyaches, headaches, rashes all over the body, bone pain in Dengue (as such Dengue is called breakbone fever. On the other hand there are severe joint pains in Chikunguny - arthalgia (therefore it is often called bendbody disease or langra disease in Bangla). Chikungunya, however is not a killer disease and is treatable at home.
Our cover story this week is on Chikungunya. the disease was first detected in 1952 in Africa following an outbreak on the Makonde Plateue. The name Chikungunya is derived from the Makonde word meaning that which bends up in reference to the stooped posture developed as a result of the arthritic symptoms of the disease. Awareness raising among the public about the preventive measures are most important. Aedis mosquito breed in clean water stored in pot, can, tires, flower tobs etc. So water in these places must not be stored for long time. Surroundings must be kept clean and water logging may not be allowed. Mosquito nest should be used and rooms may be spread with repelants etc.
