The Chikungunya virus is transmitted by aedes egypti mosquitoes

Atlanta’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is advising US travellers to the Caribbean to protect themselves from mosquito bites, in light of the raging chikungunya virus there.

The warning was issued at the start of the summer vacation period when travel to the Region increases.

According to news reports over the weekend, the viral illness has surfaced across the US carried by recent travellers to the Caribbean.

The virus is transmitted by aedes egypti mosquitoes and there is no vaccine for the illness.

While the virus does not typically lead to death, conditions can become debilitating. Symptoms can become emphasised and dangerous for adults over 65, newborns and individuals who already have health issues like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. Most common symptoms are fever and joint pain as well as headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Joint pain can take up to a few months or longer for full recovery.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) last week reported that the number of confirmed and suspected cases rose to 135,651, up from just over 100,000 on June 2.  The virus has been detected in 20 Caribbean countries and territories, with the largest outbreak in The Dominican Republic.

CARPHA said travellers to the following Caribbean islands are at risk of getting chikungunya: Anguilla, Antigua, British Virgin Island, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, St Martin, St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Maarten (Dutch). The Dominican Republic has had more than 77,000 suspected cases since January, including 20,000 new suspected cases in the last week.

Confirmed cases were reported in North Carolina, Nebraska and Indiana last week. Florida with 25 cases has the majority in the US, according to the CDC.

Trinadad and Tobago (TT) Health Minister Fuad Khan said his country has been working hard to prevent the virus from coming to his country.

“The reason TT hasn’t gotten Chikungunya yet is because a lot of work is being done by agencies, including the Insect Vector Unit and others, to try to control mosquito spread. TT can stay free of this if we keep doing the right things…Use insect repellant or citronella oil. Check water storage units or your plants daily. If necessary, call the Insect Vector Control Unit and they’ll come and spray,” he added.

Travellers to Africa, Asia, and islands in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific are also at risk as the virus is present in many of these areas.