Philippines: Chikungunya cases skyrocket in the Cordillera Administrative Region
Local health officials report a 47,667% increase in 2023
Not too long ago, Philippines media reporting based on health department data reported 1,409 chikungunya cases nationally from the beginning of the year through August 12—213 percent higher compared to the 450 reported during the same period last year.
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), at that time, reported the most cases of any of the 17 regions with 372 cases.
Fast forward to November 4, officials with the Cordillera Department of Health put the chikungunya count at 1,433. This is a massive increase in cases compared to the three recorded in 2022—a 47,666.7 percent increase!
In late August, The Department of Health – Cordillera (DOH – CAR) reiterated the importance of ensuring prevention and control measures and reminds the public anew to be wary of Dengue and Chikungunya, both mosquito – borne infections.
DOH – CAR Medical Officer IV Dr. Jennifer Joyce Pira, again stressed on the 5S against mosquito – borne infections, namely: Search and destroy breeding sites; Self - protection from mosquito bites; Seek early medical consultation; Support fogging in areas with clustering of cases, and Sustain hydration.
According to the WHO, chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes infected with the chikungunya virus. It was first described during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952 and has now been identified in nearly 40 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and, most recently, the Americas. Symptoms usually begin 4 to 8 days after a mosquito bite but can appear anywhere from 2 to 12 days.
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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.
