Is Chikungunya a biggest threat for north India?

Chikungunya virus is a vector borne disease which is transmitted through mosquito bite and the mosquito responsible for chikungunya is called Aedes Egypti. According to the experts, chikungunya will hit people in the north harder over the next few years, say experts. Data from last year shows out of 64,000-odd chikungunya cases from across the country, only about 18,000 were reported from the south. Because of the Chikungunya symptoms in HIndi, many people consider it as Dengue, which is not so good for this disease. As compare to last few years, this year and in upcoming years chances of Chikungunya patients may be increased. The main symptoms of Chikungunya are fever, Joints pain, rashes which is very similar to dengue symptoms. There are many preventive measures by which you can avoid this disease as well as all the vector borne diseases. Some of them are-

1. Chikungunya virus grows rapidly in rainy season so, do not collect water around your home.

2. Using insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) or picaridin on skin and clothing.

3. Wear clothes that can cover your whole body.

4. Using air-conditioning — this deters mosquitoes from entering rooms.

5. Sleeping under a mosquito net.

6. Staying indoors as much as possible, especially during early morning and late afternoon etc.