Belize on high alert for Chik-v, 1200 suspected cases

By Caribbean Medical News Staff

Salvadoran health officials are on high alert after discovering that chikungunya is suspected in Salvador.

Regional news reports quote Salvadoran Health Minister Violeta Menjivar has said that she suspects that there are at least 1200 cases of the virus in Belize. Panama has also reported suspected cases as well as Costa Rica and CARPHA has confirmed cases on 23 Caribbean islands.

The symptoms of the debilitating viral illness caused by the same mosquito to cause dengue fever include sudden fever, severe headache, rash, severe pain in the joints and muscle pain. Some symptoms linger for as long as two years according to health officials and unlike dengue, the virus can only be contracted once.

CARPHA and individual ministries in various countries are asking citizens to inspect their homes and environs for mosquito breeding sites, eradicate breeding sites and to watch out for symptoms especially in pregnant, very ill, elderly, babies and those who are otherwise vulnerable to the illness.
While the cases in Belize are not confirmed, Menjivar is concerned due to the proximity of Belize to Salvador and the travel between these neighbours as well as its traditional ties. People travel between both areas on a daily basis, she said.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency confirmed that to date, cases of Chikungunya have been confirmed in 23 countries or territories. They say that the total number of confirmed/probable cases has reached 4,805.
Martinique has 1,500 confirmed cases and 3,500 suspected cases, while the Dominican Republic has 18 confirmed cases and 77,000 suspected cases. Haiti is said to have confirmed 55 000 cases as well.
The Symptoms are debilitating and include sudden fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling and rash. Individuals with these symptoms are asked to go to a doctor immediately especially if they are already ill, pregnant, elderly or babies.

Leave a Comment

Security Question * Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.

Powered by WordPress