Stroke is a condition whereby blood vessel to the brain is blocked or ruptured. The brain tissue gets damaged because of lack of oxygen. When that part of brain tissue dies the function of that brain tissue will be lost. Among the main symptoms are fainting, unconsciousness and/or weakness of limbs.

Stroke is a devastating illness causing severe disability in adult. Hospital records show a progressive increase in stroke and death due to stroke at government hospitals. In Kuala Lumpur Hospital, 1000 stroke cases are seen per year with 30% – 35%, deaths due to stroke.

What causes stroke?

• Blood is brought to the brain by blood vessels called arteries.
• Thrombotic/ischaemic stroke occurs when an artery to the brain is blocked.
• Haemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery to the brain bursts.

Risks factors for getting stroke that cannot be controlled are :

• Age – the older you are, especially above 65, you are at higher risk to get stroke
• Gender- Men are at slightly higher risk to get stroke than women.
• Family history – A higher risk exists if you or your family has had a stroke or minor stroke (transient ischemic attack).

The factors that increase your risk of getting stroke are :

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Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya is virus (CHIKV) an insect-borne virus, of the genus, Alphavirus, that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes.There have been recent outbreaks of CHIKV associated with severe morbidity. CHIKV causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever. CHIKV manifests itself with an acute febrile phase of the illness lasts only two to five days. Followed by a prolonged arthralgic disease that affects the joints of the extremities. The pain associated with CHIKV infection of the joints persists for weeks or months.

Signs and Symptoms

The incubation period of chikungunya fever is usually 3-7 days. The symptoms are very similar to that of dengue, but unlike dengue, hemorrhagic or shock syndrome does not take place with chikungunya fever.  The infected person may experience the following symptoms:

• fever
• chills
• headache
• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• muscle pain
• rash
• joint pain

Treatment

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