CDC warns of lethal chikungunya virus risk for touring Americans

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging touring Americans to be on excessive alert for a lethal mosquito-borne virus after reporting an outbreak of chikungunya in Cuba this week.

This announcement comes after experiences that chikungunya virus could have been detected within the U.S., though no particular hyperlink between the 2 occasions has been revealed.

In gentle of the outbreak in Cuba, the well being company has issued a Level 2 Travel Notice: “Practice Enhanced Precautions.”

CDC WARNS OF ‘ENHANCED’ VIRUS RISK FOR TRAVELERS AMID OUTBREAK SPREAD BY MOSQUITOES

Chikungunya virus is unfold by contaminated mosquitoes, the identical kind that carry Zika and dengue.

Symptoms often seem inside every week of being bitten, in response to numerous well being departments. 

The virus usually causes fever and intense joint ache that’s generally so extreme it may be disabling. Other signs could embrace headache, muscle aches, pores and skin rash or swelling.

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Most folks get better in a few week, however for some, the joint ache lingers for months and even years. Older adults and other people with well being points like diabetes or coronary heart illness usually tend to face problems, in response to the CDC.

Locations of outbreaks

Previous outbreaks of the virus have occurred in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and islands within the Indian and Pacific oceans. There can also be a threat that contaminated vacationers may unfold the virus to unaffected areas, the CDC says.

After greater than 10,000 circumstances emerged in China throughout an outbreak in late August, authorities utilized security precautions much like earlier COVID protocols, similar to expanded PCR testing and quarantines.

The outbreak additionally spilled from Foshan into Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Guangxi via travel-linked circumstances.

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“While no locally transmitted cases of chikungunya virus have been reported in New York State, the Department urges New Yorkers who are traveling internationally to take precautions,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald mentioned in an August press launch. 

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For Americans touring overseas, the CDC recommends following the beneath greatest practices:

• Use robust insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
• Wear lengthy sleeves and pants, particularly whereas outdoor
• Choose lodging that has air-con or screened home windows and doorways

Pregnant ladies ought to be particularly cautious as a result of the virus could be handed from mom to new child at delivery, and infections in infants could be very critical.

There isn’t any particular therapy or broadly out there vaccine for chikungunya. Doctors sometimes advocate managing signs with relaxation, fluids and ache medicines.

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If you develop fever, rash or joint ache whereas touring overseas, well being consultants say you need to see a physician instantly and point out your journey historical past.