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Posted: Sunday 22 June, 2014 at 9:15 AM

Almost 3 000 Chikungunya cases confirmed in Caribbean region

By: Jermine Abel, SKNVibes.com

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Chikungunya virus has reached epidemic proportions in the Caribbean and medical organisations are advising citizens and residents of the region on measures to be taken in order to protect themselves against infection.

     

    A few weeks ago, 21 cases of this viral disease were confirmed in St. Kitts and Nevis. However, in a report published on Wednesday (Jun. 13) by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) on the health situation in the Latin American and Caribbean region, the Dominican Republic has the highest number of suspected cases with a total of 77 320 and is followed by Guadeloupe with 35 000 suspected cases and Martinique, also with 35 000 suspected cases.

    The viral disease was first recorded on the French island of St. Martin back in December and quickly spread throughout the region.

    The disease is currently found on 30 islands within the Latin America and Caribbean region and has recently found its way to several states within the United States of America.
     
    PAHO reported that there are 2 918 confirmed cases in the Caribbean region, with 1 515 in Martinique and 1 328 in Guadalupe.

    The health organisation also reported that there have been 14 confirmed deaths with nine of them occurring in Martinique.

    In a recent interview with SKNVibes Health, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Martin had stated that there were 21 confirmed cases in St. Kitts but he could not have accounted for Nevis.

    According to PAHO, “Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash”.

    The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue and can be misdiagnosed in areas where Dengue is common.

    There is no cure for the disease but treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

    Since 2004 Chikungunya fever has reached epidemic proportions with considerable morbidity and suffering.

    According to Dr. Martin, a person could have either Dengue or Chikungunya without showing symptoms. Such a person has a strong immune system boosted by the natural vitamins and minerals found in local fruits, vegetables, provisions and homemade beverages. Junk food, chemicalised drinks, excess alcohol and tiredness reduce the body’s defenses.

    He also noted that prevention actions for Chikungunya are exactly the same as those for Dengue and is urging residents to continue searching for mosquito breeding sites in and around their houses.  

    Dr. Martin is also advising that any object or thing that could hold a single drop of water or more is a mosquito breeding site and must be emptied or destroyed and bagged for collection and disposal. 

    He also noted that common breeding sites include bottles, plastic bags, pots, pans, cans, tyres, coconut shells, flower vases, Styrofoam containers and water storage containers.  

    Other personal prevention actions, he added, include wearing light colored, long sleeved shirts and long pants; staying indoors during dusk and dawn if possible; installing mosquito screens in windows and doorways; applying topical mosquito repellent; and using mosquito nets.
     
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