When travelling to Latin America, travellers should be aware of a virus which has infected an average of 1 million people per year.
It can be transmitted via mosquito bite and is called Chikungunya. Researchers revealed that it can cause encephailitis or inflammation of the brain. Even though it is not fatal, it is important to note that it can cause fever, intense headaches, joint or muscle pain, and rashes with fever and joint pain as the prevalent symptoms.
The Chikungunya virus was first discovered in the Western Hemisphere, specifically in St. Martin Island and has spread ever since. It reached far North into Florida and spread throughout Central and South America. Outbreaks have also been reported in Africa, Asia, Europe, as well as the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
'Since there is no vaccine to prevent Chikungunya and no medicine to treat it, people who are travelling to these areas should be aware of this infection and take steps to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing repellent and long sleeves and pants if possible.' Patrick Gerardin of Central University Hospital lead doctor of researchers that is currently studying the Chikungunya virus in Saint Pierre, Reunion Island, warned travellers.
Over 600,000 people, with 76 dead, fell victim to the mosquito-borne disease just within this year. Over the past 2 years, 1.1 million individuals have been diagnosed and 194 reported dead. These information were based on the reports gathered from the Pan American Health Organization. 8.6 out of 100,000 people were diagnosed with encephalitis and were present more often with either infants or people over 65 years of age.
There is no vaccine or medicine capable of treating the pathogen as of yet and treatment is currently limited to administering pain relief and allowing the patient to rest. People are encouraged to take measures in avoiding mosquito bites such as staying in room with air conditioning or installing screens on windows and doors.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
