Chikungunya outbreak on Yap prompts CDC travel warning
An outbreak of the mosquito borne virus, chikungunya, on the Pacific island of Yap has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a notice for travelers to the area yesterday.
During the last four months of 2013, the State of Yap has recorded more than 1,400 suspected cases of chikungunya.
Photo/CDC-James Gathany
Yap State is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The other states are Kosrae State, Pohnpei State, and Chuuk State.
It administers both the Yap Islands and fourteen atolls reaching to the east and south for some 800 km (500 mi), namely Eauripik, Elato, Fais, Faraulep, Gaferut, Ifalik, Lamotrek, Ngulu, Olimarao, Piagailoe (West Fayu), Pikelot, Sorol, Ulithi, and Woleai atolls, as well as the island of Satawal. (source: Wikipedia).
The federal health agency says there is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent chikungunya fever. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.
This includes covering exposed skin, using insect repellent that contains DEET, stay and sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms and use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
The mosquito that carries chikungunya virus can bite during the day and night, both indoors and outdoors, and often lives around buildings in urban areas.
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