Jamaica calls for regional approach to chikungunya

By Caribbean Medical News

Health Minister in Jamaica, the Hon. Dr. Fenton Fergusson is asking for a regional approach to fighting the chikungunya disease which is slowly spreading throughout the Caribbean.

He spoke while addressing the briefing to launch World Health Day 2014, which was observed recently. The World Health Organization’s Health Day theme was “Small Bite, Big Threat”.

There is currently no vaccination or treatment for the mosquito-borne disease which causes severe joint pain among other symptoms including rash and dengue fever type symptoms for up to ten days.

Like dengue fever, the disease is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Dr. Ferguson suggested that Jamaica was at risk because of the “ broad distribution of the vector” as well as the travel behaviour of region. One case in the Caribbean was “imported” from another country according to previous news reports.

Fergusson further suggested that all of the Caribbean should follow the protocols as outlined by PAHO/WHO entitled, “Preparedness and Response for Chikungunya Virus, Introduction in the Americas’.

The protocols include “establishing and strengthening Dengue surveillance systems; managing cases through training and assessment of impact on society; and implementation of effective public communication strategies.”

Symptoms include a sudden high fever, rash, nausea, headache, ankle and wrist joint pain, muscle pain and also knuckle pains. These symptoms are more consistent with chikungunya than with dengue. CARPHA (the Caribbean Public Health Agency) and government health departments are encouraging individuals to be vigilant and clean and inspect their properties while Ministries are doing the same and increasing their fogging programmes.

The first case of the disease in the Caribbean was reported in the French island of St. Martin last year. It has since spread to several countries, the latest of which is St. Lucia which is asking its nationals to do everything to prevent the spread of the disease.

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