Protect Yourself from Chikungunya
7/14/2014
Summer is officially here, and with its arrival we welcome long, hot days and countless hours outdoors. Fun and friends abound- but so do mosquitos and a new threat to Tennessee residents.
Chikungunya (pronounced chik-en-gun-ye) is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Previously, outbreaks of the virus have been limited to countries in Africa, Asia and Europe, and areas around the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In 2013, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that the virus had spread to islands in the Caribbean, a favorite vacation and philanthropic destination for many Americans. Recently, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) confirmed two cases of chikungunya in state of Tennessee.
How is chikungunya spread?
According to the TDH, chikungunya is spread by the Aedes species of mosquitoes- a daytime feeding species that is very common in Tennessee. A mosquito that bites an infected human can transmit the disease to other humans in the area.
Symptoms and Treatment
Individuals infected with chikungunya can experience varying degrees of:
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain or swelling
- Muscle pain
You may begin developing symptoms three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Most patients will feel better within a week while others may experience persistent joint pain for several months. Chikungunya deaths are very rare, but infants, the elderly, individuals with compromised immune systems, and individuals who have high blood pressure, diabetes and/or heart disease have the highest risk of complications.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of chikungunya, see your doctor immediately so that the case may be reported to health officials. It is also important to minimize your exposure to mosquitos to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Treatment for chikungunya includes getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids and taking over the counter pain/fever reducers.
Prevention
There is no vaccination for chikungunya. The best way to prevent contracting chikungunya is to prevent being bitten by a mosquito. Because the Aedes species feed during the day as well as at dawn and dusk, protection is the most critical at these times. Individuals who travel abroad, as well as individuals who may never leave the state, are urged to increase their mosquito prevention efforts.
- Use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Use insect repellents properly, following all label instructions especially use recommendations for children. Repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus provide long lasting protection.
- When spending long periods of time outdoors, spray permethrin products on clothing, shoes and camping gear. Permethrin should not be sprayed on skin.
- Strong fragrances may attract mosquitoes. Do not wear perfumes, colognes or other scented products before going outside.
- Apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
- Mosquitoes thrive in wet environments. Empty standing water from containers near your home including buckets, trash cans and flowerpots, and replace water in wading pools and bird baths frequently.
- Wear clothing that is long, loose-fitting and light in color.
Resources
- Chikungunya Fact Sheet
- Traveling to the Caribbean?
- Returning from the Caribbean?
For more information on mosquito bite prevention and chikungunya, talk to your doctor. Click here to find a primary care physician near you.
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