Regional Variation in Chikungunya Viral Infection Prevalence in Meghalaya: A Study from Tertiary Teaching Center from North East India

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the sero-prevalence of chikungunya presented within NEIGRIHMS (North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical sciences), a regional institute located in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out in NEIGRIHMS covering patients within Meghalaya apart from the Garo Hills, India, during the months of June to November, 2023. Methodology: Blood samples from patients were collected and were subjected to CHIKV IgM ELISA for detection of chikungunya virus infection. A total of 100 samples (46 males and 54 females; age range: 18 above) from patientswith chikungunya-like symptoms commonly fever, arthralgia, myalgia and headache were recruited for the study. Results: Out of 100 samples tested for CHIKV IgM Elisa, 10 samples came out positive. Conclusion: An active surveillance of cases and identification of their sources can help to identify where the resources for chikungunya prevention program should be distributed within the state of Meghalaya for optimum utilization of resources and effective disease control.