On 12th December 2013, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) received notification of ten confirmed cases of locally acquired chikungunya virus infection on the French side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. Since four additional probable cases and twenty suspected cases have also been identified, it is likely that the number of persons confirmed with chikungunya disease will increase. There is currently no evidence of cases on the Dutch side of the island, or in other parts of the Caribbean.
Chikungunya has infected millions of people in Africa and Asia since the disease was first recorded in 1952; however, this is the first time locally-acquired cases of chikungunya have been detected in the Caribbean. In the Americas, imported cases had previously been reported from Brazil, Canada, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and the United States of America.
The Aedes aegypti Mosquito, which is widely dispersed in the Caribbean region including the Turks and Caicos Islands, is the primary carrier of the chikungunya and dengue viruses. Symptoms of chikungunya are similar to dengue and include a sudden high fever, severe pain in the wrists, ankles or knuckles, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and rash. Joint pain and stiffness are more common with chikungunya than with dengue. The symptoms appear between four to seven days after the bite of an infected mosquito. The majority of clinical signs and symptoms last three to ten days, but joint pain may persist longer. Severe cases requiring hospitalisation are rare. There is no vaccine or treatment for chikungunya.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services along with other Caribbean health authorities are working with CARPHA to implement public health measures. The Ministry has heightened surveillance at all health care facilities, enhanced mosquito control and prevention measures conducted by the Environmental Health Department and increased health communication and education about chikungunya and dengue; including how to recognize it, prevent mosquito breeding and protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Precautions to prevent and control the spread of chikungunya and dengue in TCI
• Avoid mosquito bites here in TCI and when traveling to areas where dengue and chikungunya occur.
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites (avoid leaving drums/barrels with water uncovered and get rid of stagnant water as water sitting stagnant for 4 days or more will quickly become a breeding ground for mosquitoes).
• Pour small amounts of oil (kerosene, cooking oil, brake fluid oil) in stagnant water near homes to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Fix screens on windows and doors to prevent indoor mosquito invasions.
• Ensure your windows and doors are closed tightly especially at dusk and dawn.
• Stay in air-conditioned or screened areas when indoors.
• Use bed nets if sleeping areas are not screened or air-conditioned.
• Use mosquito repellents on skin and clothing especially when going outdoors.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks when outdoors during times that mosquitoes are biting.
• Report your travel history to your doctor if you have signs and symptoms of dengue fever or chikungunya disease.
• Call Environmental Health Department to treat large bodies of stagnant water on or around your property.
The Ministry is asking all to work together to prevent mosquito borne diseases. Protect yourself, your home and environment today!
