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No new confirmed cases of chikungunya in Cayman Islands

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  • Total cases investigated for chikungunya since 25 June 2014 is 19.
  • The total results received thus far are: out of 15 cases tested, five have come back positive, nine negative and one inconclusive. Results of four blood samples are awaited.
  • Of the five confirmed cases, four have reported a travel history to countries having an outbreak, (two to Dominican Republic and two to Guyana). One had no travel history, an indication that the infection was acquired locally.
  1. Key Facts on Chikungunya
  • Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infectedAedes aegyptimosquitoes, similar to dengue. Chikungunya 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. Joint paint is predominant in chikungunya, while muscle pain is predominant in dengue.
  • There is no medication against the virus.Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms- bed rest, use of paracetamol (panadol or tylenol) for control of fever and pain relief, and plenty of fluids.
  • There is no vaccine against chikungunya or dengue. Prevention of these diseases is through protective measures against mosquito bites by use of mosquito repellents on skin and clothing, and when outdoors during times that mosquitoes are biting, wearing long- sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks.
  • The proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for chikungunya. People can greatly assist in reducing the local Aedes aegyptipopulation by clearing their yards of containers that can hold water as these are favourite breeding sites for this mosquito.
  • Since 2004, chikungunya fever has reached epidemic proportions globally, with considerable morbidity and suffering.
  • The disease occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In recent decades mosquito vectors of chikungunya have spread to Europe and the Americas. In 2007, disease transmission was reported for the first time in a localized outbreak in north-eastern Italy.
  1. Countries Reporting an Outbreak :

Published August 20, 2014

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