title: Prevalence of chikungunya in urban field practice area of a private medical college, chennai.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The outbreak of Chikungunya in India started during December 2005 with more than 11,00,000 cases. Many cases with symptoms suggestive of Chikungunya reported to our urban health-training centre. Hence this study was done to estimate the prevalence of Chikungunya, to study the common treatment-seeking behavior, control measures and the sequalae of Chikungunya by follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study was done in Anagaputhur an urban field practice area of our college. The study was done on a sample selected by systematic random sampling. Any person with fever and joint pain, with an onset from 1 August 2006 to 31 August 2006, were enrolled as cases. The cases were followed up after three months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Chikungunya prevalence in the community was 22.3%; 52% of them were females and 56% of cases were in the 15-44 years age group. Median duration of acute phase was three days. Ninety-one percent of them had multiple joints' involvement. Seventy-eight percent sought treatment from the private sector. Sixty-seven percent reported artificial collections of water around their household and 44% complained of mosquito problems during the day. Eighty-eight percent used mosquito repellents for personal protection. On follow-up 95% of them had residual joint pain, 43% had residual joint swelling and 11% had disabilities with median duration of 30 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prevalence of Chikungunya was 22.3%, predominantly affecting the age group of 15-44 years and females. The private sector was commonly sought for treatment. Entomological survey indicated Aedes breeding. Eleven percent had disabilities due to the sequelae.
authors: Department of Community Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chromepet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: Sudharsanam M
authors: SM
authors: Balasubramaniam
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Krishnakumar
authors: Thattiparthi
authors: T
authors: Stephen
authors: Rashmi
authors: R
authors: Gaur
authors: Nc
authors: N
authors: Appavoo