BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH the number of suspected and confirmed cases of Chikungunya on the rise in St. Kitts, a senior functionary on Nevis recently stated that there were two confirmed cases of the virus on the island.
Speaking with SKNVibes today (July 10), Medical Officer of Health Dr. Judy Nisbett explained that the two individuals who had caught the virus have both originated from the outskirts of the commercial area.
“We just had two cases and they were basically found in the urban areas. The doctors said they have seen cases that they suspect are Chikungunya, but I can’t give any numbers at the moment.”
The Health Officer noted that both patients have since recovered from the virus and that the Health Department has upped its vector control measures on the island.
“We have an ongoing vector control measure that we are continuing, and we are concentrating in the urban areas because there is where we have the confirmed cases. But we are stepping up our vector control and, as you would know, our vector control is ongoing anyway.”
In a recent press release, Dr. Nisbett stated that the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) had informed the Ministry of Health on Nevis of the two laboratory confirmed cases of the virus on the island.
The release further stated that the Chikungunya virus affects all age groups and genders. The disease is characterised by the abrupt onset of high fever frequently accompanied by severe joint pains three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Infected persons may also complain of one or more of the following: back pain, headache, muscle pain, rash, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. These symptoms typically last three to 10 days. Deaths from Chikungunya fever are rare.
In recent times, St. Kitts has seen an increase of confirmed cases, which currently stand at 30, and more than 100 suspected cases.
There is no known cure for the disease and treatment is directed at relieving the symptoms.
Paracetamol may be used to relieve fever and Ibuprofen to relieve joint pains. Aspirin should be
Avoided, especially in children. Persons infected are also advised to get plenty of rest and drink
lots of fluids. Recovery from an infection will confer lifelong immunity.
The Ministry of Health on St. Kitts advised that the prevention efforts are the same as those for dengue fever and is urging members of the public to destroy mosquito breeding sites in and around households, such as pots, pans, tyres, coconut shells, flower vases and water storage containers that are improperly covered.
Meanwhile, in Grenada, health officials have enforced that island’s 1952 legislation to combat the spread of the virus there.
The legislation, called the Mosquito Destruction Act, came into effect in 1952 and makes it mandatory for all homeowners to rid their homes of containers which may be a breading ground for mosquitoes.
If any individual were to be found with any such containers in their homes, they would be subjected to a hefty fine of EC$250 for a first time offence and EC$500 for a second offence.
Chikungunya was first was first detected in 1952 in Africa following an outbreak on the Makonde Plateau. This is a border area between Mozambique and Tanzania. The virus was isolated from the serum of a febrile patient from this area.
The name Chikungunya is derived from the Makonde word meaning "that which bends up" in reference to the stooped posture developed as a result of the arthritic symptoms of the disease.
