Jamaica records second chikungunya case
Approximately a week after reporting their first chikungunya case, Jamaican health officials say they have confirmed the island’s second imported case of the mosquito borne virus. Currently, there has been approximately 500,000 cases reported in Central and South America, the US and the Caribbean.
Aedes aegypti Image/CDC
Dr. Marion Bullock-Ducasse, director of emergency, disaster management and special services in the health ministry said yesterday in both cases, the individuals traveled from an affected country where they were infected with the chikungunya virus and became ill here. There has been no local transmission of the virus.
“I want to urge persons who have traveled to chikungunya- affected countries and are experiencing symptoms on arrival in Jamaica to visit their doctor or the nearest health center immediately. I also encourage them to cooperate with health personnel who are working to reduce the possibility of spread and impact of the disease on the population,” Dr Bullock-DuCasse said.
In addition, she reminds individuals to take actions to prevent mosquito bites such as using insect repellent containing DEET.
Symptoms of Chikungunya, transmissible by mosquito, include high fever; headache; muscle pain; joint pain, mainly in the limbs and large joints; and a rash. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
