Chikungunya Update as of 13 October 2014

From Cayman Islands Public Health Department

The total number of confirmed chikungunya cases reached 25 this week (13 October 2014).

• The distribution of confirmed cases (25) has been: George Town -nine; Cayman Brac three; West Bay six; Bodden Town –five and Little Cayman two. Twenty – one reported travel history to countries experiencing outbreaks, (two to the Dominican Republic, three to Guyana, fifteen to Jamaica and one to St Lucia). The number of locally transmitted cases remains at four.
• Of the twenty- two results awaited from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) since last week, eighteen were received. Twelve of these tested negative for chikungunya and one inconclusive. The five who tested positive had a travel history to Jamaica, and are residents of George Town (two), Little Cayman (two) and West Bay (one). The onset of symptoms took place between 25 September 2014 and 3 October 2014, therefore the patients are no longer considered infectious. (The chikungunya virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes biting infected persons during the first week of illness.)

• Twenty new cases were placed under investigation during the week 7-13 October 2014. Nine had travelled to Jamaica, where a chikungunya outbreak is reportedly occurring and eleven reported no travel history.

• Total number of cases investigated for chikungunya since 25 June 2014 is 96.

• The total number of results received thus far is 72. Twenty- five have come back positive, 44 negative and three inconclusive. Results from 20 blood samples during 7-13 October and four previous samples are still 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. Using mosquito repellent with DEET on the skin, and wearing long sleeve pants and shirts when outside during times that mosquitoes bite, whether in the Cayman Islands or on travels.

As at 13 October 2014, 14,121/probable cases of chikungunya have been reported from 22 of the 24 CARPHA Member States and 11 other Caribbean countries/territories. The total number of suspected cases is 728,091

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.

END

IMAGE: www.abc.net.au

Related story:

Jamaica in “National Emergency” due to chikungunya virus outbreak

From Caribbean Journal

Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says the country is in a “national emergency” over the outbreak of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus in the country.

The virus, which is similar in symptoms to Dengue fever, often leads to fever and severe joint pain that can last from a few days to, in some cases, for years, though it is rarely fatal.

The disease has spread across the Caribbean region after initially appearing in St Martin in late 2013, but has hit Jamaica particularly hard.

“I want to stress that we are in a NATIONAL emergency,” Simpson Miller said at a briefing on Tuesday. “I have therefore, assumed a lead role in mobilizing the nation and national resources.”

She said she sympathized with those across Jamaica who had come down with the painful illness.

“I understand that some MPs even as we speak are out with the virus,” she said. “I want to commend MPs, Mayors and Councillors who have been active in encouraging your constituents to get involved in the only sustainable way to control and reduce the epidemic – which is, to destroy and reduce mosquito breeding sites.”

She said the government had called on about $4.5 million USD in state resources for national health emergency response, with the objective of reducing mosquito breeding sites by starting with the worst-affected areas.

“This is our country,” she said. “We all have a stake and a vested interest in protecting it and in keeping our people safe and healthy.”

After only infecting a handful of people over the summer,

There have been almost 800,000 suspected cases in the Caribbean region, with the majority in the Dominican Republic.

IMAGE:: Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (UN Photo/J Carrier)

For more on this story go to: http://www.caribjournal.com/2014/10/14/jamaica-in-national-emergency-due-to-chikungunya-virus-outbreak/