Untreatable mosquito borne virus continues to spread throughout the Caribbean

The dangerous virus  is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes. 

CHIKV infection (short for Chikungunya) presents itself with with symptoms similar to dengue fever, with an acute febrile phase lasting two to five days, followed by a longer period of joint pains in the extremities. The pain associated with CHIKV infection of the joints may persist for weeks or months, or in some cases years.

At this time there are no medications available that can help to relieve the symptoms. Chikunguny also has the potential to cause long term musculoskeletal pain.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)  has reported on the continued spreading of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus in the Caribbean region.

According to the ECDC, as of Thursday, January 9, a total of 201 “probable or confirmed” cases was recorded in French St. Martin and two confirmed cases on the Dutch side of the territory.

In Martinique, the number of “probable or confirmed” cases of the Chikungunya virus was 25; Guadaloupe saw 10 “probable or confirmed” cases with one imported case from St. Martin; while one confirmed case “imported from Martinique” was recorded in French Guiana.

The CDC warned persons travelling to the affected territories to protect themselves against mosquito bites, and those who experience any fever or severe joint pain to consult a doctor immediately.

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