Canada has issued a travel alert warning people going to the Caribbean that they should protect themselves against the chikungunya disease that has rapidly spread throughout the region.
The viral illness is transmitted by infected mosquitoes which also cause dengue fever. In the case of chikungunya, those who fall victim to the illness usually suffer intense joint pain, muscle weakness, severe headache, rash, high and sudden onset of fever, fatigue and rash as well as nausea. It has been reported that muscle and joint pain can last as long as two years.
Other governments which provide much tourism dollars to the region have followed suit but this has not deterred travel officials say. Instead, those traveling into the region are taking protective measures to ensure that they do not contract the debilitating but not usually fatal illness.
The World Health Organization has advised that visitors wear pants, long sleeves and ensure that their accommodation has protective screens. WHO also advised the use of mosquito repellents containing contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), IR3535 (3-[N-acetyl-N-butyl]-aminopropionic acid ethyl ester) or icaridin (1-piperidinecarboxylic acid, 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropylester).
The Canadian government has also advised those wishing to travel to the Caribbean to first consult with their physicians at least six weeks before travel.
WHO has said that people need to be vigilant especially since chikungunya presents much like dengue and dengue can be dangerous depending on the type contracted. The hemorrhagic fever is sometimes fatal. WHO says that misdiagnosis is possible in areas where dengue is also prevalent.
“Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints. Serious complications are not common, but in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death,” the WHO stated on its website.
The disease occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent but has spread more recently to Europe and the Americas. The spread has been quite rapid in the Caribbean with up to thirty-two (32) deaths.
