Chikungunya cases in Brazil near 200,000

The Brazil Ministry of Health has reported 196,793 chikungunya cases in the country this year through May 24- 114,282 confirmed and 82,511 probable.

In addition, 107 deaths have been reported and an additional 114 cases under investigation.

This compares to 71,146 total cases and 10 deaths during the first 21 weeks of 2023.

Six out of 10 cases nationally were female.

Minas Gerais has reported the most cases with 122,379, followed by Bahia state with 13,654.

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through by mosquitoes infected with the chikungunya virus. The mosquitoes involved in transmission are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

The most common symptom is an abrupt onset of fever, often accompanied by joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Severe joint pain usually lasts a few days but can persist for months or even years. Serious complications are uncommon, but atypical severe cases can cause long-term symptoms and even death, especially in older people and in children under one year old.

There is no specific treatment for chikungunya; however, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends a vaccine for some travelers.