A new variant of the Chikungunya virus is wreaking havoc in Pune, India, with over 2,000 reported cases and terrifying symptoms that have never been seen before. This mutated strain is causing paralysis, blackening of the nose, and other life-threatening complications, leaving doctors baffled.
New Symptoms:
- Paralysis: Many patients are experiencing neuropathy, leading to paralysis, a complication never seen before in Chikungunya cases.
- Blackening of the nose: Around 20% of patients are developing this symptom, which lingers for two weeks and causes social embarrassment.
- Dengue-like symptoms: Chikungunya is mimicking dengue, with complications like water in the lungs and stomach, and sudden drops in platelet counts.
Impact:
The virus is spreading rapidly, affecting entire families, with some areas reporting up to eight members infected. Children and people with comorbidities are severely affected, with major complications like peripheral neuropathy and quadriplegia.
Call to Action:
Infectious disease experts, including Dr. Rajesh Gadia and Dr. Ameet Dravid, are urging the National Institute of Virology (NIV) to intervene and shed light on this mutated variant. They recommend official sequencing of the current strain to understand its transformation and immediate action to prevent further spread.
Prevention:
To combat the spread of Chikungunya, experts advise:
- Conducting early tests to differentiate between Chikungunya and dengue
- Using NS1 tests to rule out dengue
- Performing PCR tests within the first five days to catch Chikungunya
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