Cure for chikungunya: Could efavirenz be the answer to mosquito-borne viral disease?

Symptoms of Chikungunya: Chikungunya symptoms range from high fever and extreme joint pain to rashes and muscle aches. These can last for weeks (Image: Canva)

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease. The illness is marked by fever, severe joint pain, and muscle aches, and currently has no specific antiviral treatment. According to a the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), India experiences recurrent cases of this illness, with the National Center for Vector-Borne Disease Control monitoring its spread closely.

Despite its widespread prevalence, no antiviral treatment or universally approved vaccine is currently available. However, a recent study by scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee is being noted. The research suggests that Efavirenz, a drug commonly used to treat HIV, may help reduce the replication of the Chikungunya virus. With promising results observed in both laboratory settings and infected mice, this discovery could pave the way for a much-needed therapeutic solution for the disease.

Signs and symptoms:

As per the CDC, Chikungunya symptoms range from high fever and extreme joint pain to rashes and muscle aches. These can last for weeks, significantly affecting the quality of life. While the disease is rarely fatal, its long-term effects, including chronic arthritis-like symptoms, make it a major health concern.

Also read | Oropouche Virus Vs Dengue, zika and chikungunya: 8 key differences and how to prevent it

The IIT Roorkee study, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), highlights Efavirenz as a potential game-changer in the fight against Chikungunya. Traditionally used in HIV treatment, Efavirenz has demonstrated antiviral properties that could be beneficial against other infections. The research team observed that the drug effectively reduced virus levels in both lab-grown cell cultures and mouse models. This discovery is particularly significant as it offers a repurposed drug solution, one that has already undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy in humans. If further studies confirm its effectiveness in clinical trials, Efavirenz could provide a readily available and cost-effective treatment option for Chikungunya patients

Prevention is better:

While Efavirenz offers hope for treatment, prevention remains the most effective strategy against Chikungunya. The CDC suggests that since the virus spreads through mosquito bites, protective measures such as using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and ensuring mosquito-free living spaces are crucial.

Also read | West Nile Virus in India: Symptoms, how it's different from other mosquito-borne diseases, when to seek help

Travellers to regions with active outbreaks are advised to take extra precautions, and in some cases, vaccination may be recommended. Additionally, controlling mosquito populations by avoiding stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks. Until a definitive antiviral treatment or vaccine is widely available, vigilance and preventive actions remain the best defense against this disease.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.