HIGH LEVEL OF IGNORANCE EXISTING AMONG JAMAICANS ABOUT CHIKUNGUNYA (CHIK-V) I am amazed at the level of ignorance that is existing among my fellow Jamaicans about this illness. I would not be exaggerating if I say almost ninety percent of the persons That I have spoken to is convinced that it is not spread by mosquitoes. So my fellow Face Book-ites, please share some of these information to as many as possible. HERE ARE SOME OF THE FACTS ABOUT CHIK-V Chikungunya Makonde for that which bends up) is an infection caused by the Chikungunya virus. It causes an illness with an acute febrile phase lasting two to five days, followed by a longer period of joint pains in the extremities; this pain may persist for years in some cases. The disease is transmitted similarly to dengue fever to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes.[3] Specifically, two species of mosquitoes, A. albopictus and A. aegypti are extrinsic hosts (vectors) of chikungunya virus.[4] The strain of chikungunya spreading to the US from the Caribbean is most easily spread by A. aegypti. Concern exists that this strain of chikungunya could mutate to make the A. albopictus vector more efficient. If this mutation were to occur, chikungunya would be more of a public health concern to the US. The A. albopictus or Asian tiger mosquito is more widespread in the US and is more aggressive than the A. aegypti.[5] It is known that monkeys, birds, cattle, and rodents are animal reservoirs for the virus.[6][7] This is in contrast to dengue, in which only humans and primates are host reservoirs. The best means of prevention is overall mosquito control and the avoidance of bites by any infected mosquitoes.[9] No specific treatment is known, but medications can be used to reduce symptoms.[9] Rest and fluids may also be useful.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 01:51:33 +0000
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