CHIKUNGUNYA

by Raguel Ross Dragon and Jewelle Juanengo

The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the epidemic of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease like dengue, in several communities in 10 towns across the Philippines.

The number of cases has eclipsed 1,600 during the first eleven months of 2013, nearly triple the total of 561 cases recorded in the year 2012. Assistant Health Secretary, Dr. Eric Tayag noted that the regions hardest hit by the virus include Southern Luzon (334), Metro Manila (275) and Western Visayas (236).

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet, chikungunya is a viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.

Although chikungunya may not be as lethal – no deaths have been recorded so far – as its more infamous cousin, dengue, the threat surrounding it still merits the same urgency from doctors and patients. DOH Assits. Sec. Dr. Eric Tayag said chikungunya had been around in the Philippines in the 1990’s, but they noted an increase of cases in the last two years. Many of the cases are in Metro Manila, Laguna, Pangasinan, and parts of Mindanao.

The most effective means of prevention are protection against contact with the disease-carrying mosquitoes and mosquito control. These include using insect repellents. Wearing bite-proof long sleeves and trousers also offers protection.

WHO stated that there is currently no cure or vaccine for chikungunya and that treatment is directed primarily at relieving the symptoms, including the joint pain.