Another Massive Chik V Outbreak Expected!
The dreadful Chikungunya virus recently ravaged Jamaica resulting in widespread sickness and loss of production.
Now there are reports that Jamaica and the Caribbean at large will be affected by another massive outbreak of Chikungunya fever within a few years.
According to RJR News, the warning has come from the Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Dr James Hospedales who argues that this will be a natural cycle for the virus, which has left a trail of pain, death and controversy across the region.
According to Hospedales, the virus, which is new to Jamaica has now peaked in its intensity, so there will be a period of recession.
However, he cautions that because of the prevalence of the Aedes Aegypti in the region, the massive outbreak is expected
He added that CARPHA will be involved in a regional study on the devastating effects of the Chikungunya virus.
The aim is to gather as much data on the virus as possible, for future regional planning.
Although ChikV is not a new virus and has affected other Caribbean islands in the past, it’s introduction to Jamaica has caused tremendous uproar and debate.
Source: RJR News
I don’t understand. Everybody I know, like 90% of people seem to have been infected at some point in this last cycle. My understanding is, like any viral infection, once experienced the victim has natural antibodies for resistance. How then would a future outbreak be “massive”? At least, until the whole of this generation has died off and been replaced by new, non-resistant Jamaicans? I don’t get it.
Why doesn’t the Jamaican Government, instead of always just speculating, get some decent information from a very valid source. For example the World Health Organization. Get somebody to come, ask them, get information…………
Also your natural immunity is NOT permanent. It lasts a few years and then wear off. It was the same when Dengue fever hit Jamaica. I remember having Dengue in 1982 or 1983 and then having again around 1990 or so. Immunity to these mosquito spread virus’s is not forever. Chik V seems much worse than Dengue and more far reaching and long lasting in its effects. Both spread by the same type of mosquito though.