Don’t panic over Chikungunya: Doctors

Experts today advised all not to panic over the outbreak of mosquito-borne Chikungunya, a menace that is a common household sickness in Dhaka nowadays.

Chikungunya is not a fatal disease, said Professor Meerjady Sabrina Flora, director of Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).

She, however, advised all necessary precautionary and preventive measures.

Between April and mid-May, a total of 139 cases of Chikungunya have been tested, of which 86 cases have been found to be positive, the IEDCR chief added.

In a gap of three months, the capital is witnessing a second outbreak of mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, raising a new public health concern in addition to dengue.

Prof Sabrina suggests rest and plenty of water as primary medication. She also recommended taking painkillers only on doctor's advice. With lingering of pain and fever, doctors can be consulted.