Travel Alert: Canada Issues Warning Against Chikungunya Disease in Caribbean

<!–

Like us on Facebook

–>

WHO said there is no cure yet for the Chikungunya disease. Instead, treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

“Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints. Serious complications are not common, but in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death,” the WHO said on its Web site.

The disease occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In recent decades mosquito vectors of chikungunya have spread to Europe and the Americas. In 2007, disease transmission was reported for the first time in a localized outbreak in north-eastern Italy.

WHO advised travellers to wear long sleeves and pants when in the Caribbean, as well as check if their accommodations are fitted with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

WHO also advised using repellents containing contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), IR3535 (3-[N-acetyl-N-butyl]-aminopropionic acid ethyl ester) or icaridin (1-piperidinecarboxylic acid, 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropylester). 

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail:

To contact the editor, e-mail: