Chikungunya fever cases top 1,600 in the Philippines, nearly triple 2012 numbers
The number of cases of the mosquito borne viral disease, Chikungunya, has eclipsed 1,600 cases during the first eleven months of 2013, according to a Philippine News Agency report Tuesday.
The number of cases, 1,609, is nearly triple the total of 561 cases recorded last year.
Female Aedes aegypti mosquito
Image/James Gathany
Assistant Health Secretary, Dr. Eric Tayag noted that the regions hardest hit by the virus include Southern Luzon (334), Metro Manila (275) and Western Visayas (236).
In addition, Tayag said women and those 20 years of age and up were more likely to get infected.
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) Fact Sheet, Chikungunya is a viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.
The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common.
There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.
The proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for chikungunya.
The disease occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In recent decades mosquito vectors of chikungunya have spread to Europe and the Americas. In 2007, disease transmission was reported for the first time in Europe, in a localized outbreak in north-eastern Italy.
The CDC notes there is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent chikungunya. People can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites.
For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
Looking for a job in health care? Check here to see what’s available
