Chikungunya – WHO Warning and India’s Preparedness
- vidyarthee2021
- Jul 25
- 2 min read
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised a global alert about the rising threat of a chikungunya epidemic, urging countries to act swiftly to contain its spread.
What is Chikungunya?
Type: Mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus.
Transmission: Spread by infected female Aedes mosquitoes, especially:
Aedes aegypti
Aedes albopictus(Both also transmit dengue and Zika)
Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever, joint pain, fatigue, muscle pain, rash
Treatment:
No specific antiviral drug available
Supportive care to manage symptoms
India’s Control Measures
National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP):A comprehensive government initiative aimed at the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, malaria, etc.
UPSC-Relevant Points
GS2 – Health & Governance: Public health preparedness and preventive programmes
GS3 – Disaster Management: Early warning systems, epidemic response
Prelims: Aedes mosquito, diseases spread by it, NVBDCP
Mains: Role of WHO, India's vector disease policy, climate-health linkage
UPSC Prelims MCQ
Q. With reference to Chikungunya, consider the following statements:
It is caused by a bacterium that spreads through Aedes mosquitoes.
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus can transmit chikungunya, dengue, and Zika viruses.
India has a dedicated national programme to control vector-borne diseases.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Chikungunya is caused by a virus, not a bacterium.
Statement 2 is correct: Both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus transmit chikungunya, dengue, and Zika.
Statement 3 is correct: India runs the NVBDCP for vector-borne disease control.
UPSC Mains Question (GS2 – Health)
Q. As global temperatures rise, vector-borne diseases like chikungunya are becoming more prevalent. Examine the challenges in controlling such diseases and suggest a multi-sectoral strategy to tackle them in India.
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