Chikungunya in the Caribbean Warning - Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions Updated: May 30, 2014 What is the current situation? In December 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported local transmission of chikungunya in Saint Martin. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. This is the first time that local transmission of chikungunya has been reported in the Americas. Local transmission of chikungunya is now being reported in other countries in the Caribbean. As of May 30, 2014, the following Caribbean countries have reported cases of chikungunya: •Anguilla •Antigua •British Virgin Islands •Dominica •Dominican Republic •French Guiana •Guadeloupe •Haiti •Martinique •Puerto Rico •Saint Barthelemy •Saint Kitts •Saint Lucia •Saint Martin (French) •Saint Vincent and the Grenadines •Sint Maarten (Dutch) CDC recommends that travelers to the Caribbean protect themselves from mosquito bites. What is chikungunya? Chikungunya is an illness caused by a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Who is at risk? Travelers who go to these islands in the Caribbean are at risk of getting chikungunya. In addition, travelers to Africa, Asia, and islands in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific are also at risk, as the virus is present in many of these areas. 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. What can travelers do to prevent chikungunya? There is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent chikungunya. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Prevent mosquito bites: •Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. •Use an appropriate insect repellent as directed. •Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection. Use products with the following active ingredients: ◦DEET (Products containing DEET include Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, and Ultrathon) ◦Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin products containing picaridin include Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan [outside the US]) ◦Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD (Products containing OLE include Repel and Off! Botanicals) ◦IR3535 (Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart) •Always follow product directions and reapply as directed: ◦If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. ◦Follow package directions when applying repellent on children. Avoid applying repellent to their hands, eyes, and mouth. •Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself: ◦Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See the product information to find out how long the protection will last. ◦If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully. ◦Do not use permethrin directly on skin. •Stay and sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms. •Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors. If you feel sick and think you may have chikungunya: •Talk to your doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever. ◦Tell them about your travel. ◦For more information about medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care Abroad and a list of International Joint Commission-accredited facilities. •Get lots of rest, and drink plenty of liquids. •Avoid spreading the disease by preventing more mosquito bites. Traveler Information •Avoid Bug Bites-Information for travelers •Chikungunya Fact Sheet •CDC Chikungunya Website •CDC responds to Chikungunya in the Americas •Insect Repellent Use and Safety •Infographic: Going to the Caribbean? •Infographic: Recently been in the Caribbean? Clinician Information •Chikungunya in the Americas •Chikungunya in CDC Health Information for International Travel -“Yellow Book” •Chikungunya Fact Sheet for Clinicians •CDC Chikungunya Website •Laboratory Guidance •Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks, & Other Insects & Arthropods
Posted on: Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:03:10 +0000
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