Prevention of Chikungunya virus infection, particularly in endemic regions, is essential for individual and public health. Since the mode of transmission involves mosquitoes, the pattern of spread of chikungunya infection can happen very fast in highly infected mosquito regions.¹ Fortunately, strategies to prevent the risk of this illness are clearly identified. Here follows a detailed discussion about some of the successful preventive strategies based on scientific research and expert recommendations.
The most efficient prophylactic measures in the outbreak areas against the chikungunya virus are as follows:

Application of insect repellents

Repellents also substantially lower the risk a person has of being bitten by mosquitoes, which are the vectors of the chikungunya virus. According to studies, the most effective repellents against the Aedes mosquito vector of chikungunya are those that have DEET (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), picaridin, or IR3535 as the active ingredient. Apply repellents always on one's exposed skin, but when mosquitoes are most active, namely early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Those concerned about chemical exposure can also get considerable protection from repellents derived from natural products such as oil of lemon eucalyptus.²

Wearing protective clothing

Clothing acts as a physical protective barrier from mosquito bites. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks reduces the availability of skin for bites. Light colored clothing is advisable because mosquitoes are usually attracted by dark colors. In epidemic areas, clothes may be treated with permethrin, an insecticide applied to fabrics, to enhance protection.²

Bed nets and window screens

Some effective ways to prevent mosquito bites include sleeping under mosquito nets, especially those treated with insecticide. This is so because most people are exposed indoors. Aedes mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya are typically active during the day. Bed nets can be used at nighttime in areas with high-intensity mosquito activity. Window and door screens will help block mosquitoes from entering the living space, thus reducing exposure to bites.²

Community-wide vector control programs

Complementing these individual precautions, a coordinated community-level intervention can be very effective. These range from spraying of insecticides, especially during outbreaks, in order to kill adult mosquitoes, to the application of larvicides into water where the mosquitoes breed. This has been proven to reduce the mosquito population and can prevent or reduce the circulation of chikungunya during the epidemics.³

Public awareness campaigns

Education campaigns are highly necessary for the population residing in the endemic areas, making them aware of the risks due to chikungunya and necessary measures for prevention. Most of the campaigns emphasise early recognition of symptoms, fundamental knowledge of vector control principles, and protection against mosquito bites. Community information has been greatly improved by better compliance with preventive measures and a reduction in transmission rates.

Air conditioning or indoor fans

Mosquitoes prefer warm and humid environments, and so are kept at bay by air-conditioning. Numerous studies have pointed out the utilisation of air conditioning or even low-cost fans as a method to lower indoor mosquito density and hence reduce mosquito bites. In case of the use of air conditioning, this mode of protection is benefited by keeping all doors and windows closed.⁴

Travel precautions

Travellers to areas reporting chikungunya transmission should be especially careful to avoid mosquito bites. Repellents, wearing protective clothes, and staying in air-conditioned environments are the most important prevention factors. Pre-travel consultations with a healthcare provider are advised so that travelers can get the most current advice regarding the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases. While a vaccine against chikungunya is not commercially available yet, there are some activities regarding vaccine research, and travellers should stay abreast of developments regarding vaccines.

These measures are, to a great extent, effective; however, much is yet to be known about chikungunya virus prevention as well as its relation with community health initiatives, government programs, and the latest research being conducted on vaccine development issues. The following sections will explain all these aspects in detail. By taking an in-depth look at all these measures, you will know more thoroughly how you can safeguard yourself and your community.

Ongoing research and future prevention strategies

The above measures offer good protection against chikungunya; however, more permanent solutions are in the works, including the development of vaccines. Most of the present vaccine candidates, including the live-attenuated vaccines and virus-like particle vaccines, are at a stage well advanced into early clinical trials with promising results. A vaccine would, if available, play a serious role in prevention, especially in endemic countries, targeting populations that are mostly at risk, for instance, children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

FAQs

What is chikungunya, and how is it transmitted?

Chikungunya is a viral disease that spreads to humans through contact with an infected mosquito vector, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These vectors also transmit dengue and Zika viruses.

Are there any vaccines for chikungunya?

To date, there are no licensed, commercially available vaccines for chikungunya. However, there are a number of vaccine candidates at various stages in development and may be available in the near term.

Is there a treatment for chikungunya?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya. Supportive care hydration, pain relief, and rest is the main approach for managing symptoms.

How can I avoid getting chikungunya if I am going to a country where the virus is found?

During trips to countries where chikungunya is found, mosquito bites can be prevented by using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, staying in air-conditioned or screened rooms, and avoiding mosquito-prone areas.

Summary

In short, the basic prevention of the chikungunya virus in epidemic areas is related to the avoidance of mosquito vector bites and the control of mosquitoes. This may be accomplished with insect repellents, protective clothes, bed nets, environmental management, and community-wide vector control programs. It is very important to reduce transmission with public awareness and individual actions, besides ongoing research into vaccine development that may provide hope for future prevention.