From Cayman Islands Public Health Department

Chikungunya Update as of 27 October 2014

The total number of confirmed chikungunya cases in the Cayman Islands has reached 29 to date. Meanwhile the number of locally transmitted cases is now five.

The distribution of confirmed cases has been: George Town – 10; Cayman Brac – four; West Bay – seven; Bodden Town – five, Little Cayman – two and North Side – one. 24 have reported travel history to countries experiencing outbreaks, (two to the Dominican Republic, three to Guyana, 18 to Jamaica and one to St Lucia).

Of the 24 results awaited from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), 15 were received.   Twelve of these tested negative and three positive for chikungunya. The three patients who tested positive are residents of George Town (1), Cayman Brac (1) and West Bay (1). The cases from George Town and Cayman Brac had a travel history to Jamaica .The third patient is a resident of West Bay, with no travel history and an onset of symptoms on 11 October 2014. The date of onset of the previous locally transmitted case was 20 September 2014.

“The sporadic occurrence of confirmed local cases may be due to mosquitoes transmitting chikungunya to persons with no travel history, after biting persons infected elsewhere. We will continue to collect and test samples of residents with no travel history, in an effort to identify any establishment of local transmission, and to ensure an appropriate level of response,” said Dr. Kiran Kumar, Medical Officer of Health.

There were 16 suspected cases of chikungunya during the week 21-27 October 2014 based on symptoms. Five had travelled to Jamaica, where a chikungunya outbreak is reportedly occurring, one reported travel to Puerto Rico and 10 reported no travel history. Of these patients 11 blood samples were sent for testing.

The total number of suspected cases of chikungunya reported since 25 June 2014 is 138.

The total number of results received thus far is 99. 29 have come back positive, 67 negative and three inconclusive. Results from 11 blood samples from 21-27 October and 19 previous samples are awaited.

Chikungunya causes fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Officials urge anyone who may be experiencing these symptoms to immediately see a healthcare provider. They also remind the public to use mosquito repellent with DEET on the skin, and wear long sleeve pants and shirts when outside during times that mosquitoes bite, whether in the Cayman Islands or on travels.

As at 27 October 2014, 15,841 probable cases of chikungunya have been reported from 23 of the 24 CARPHA Member States and 11 other Caribbean countries/territories. The total number of suspected cases is 731,060.

Further information can be obtained through www.hsa.ky. Regional updates can be accessed by visiting the CARPHA website on http://carpha.org/What-We-Do/Public-Health-Activities/Chikungunya. In addition United States updates are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/geo/united-states.html

IMAGE: guardianlv.com