Suriname reports chikungunya outbreak

The Suriname Ministry of Health is reporting a confirmed outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease, chikungunya.

Eight cases have been reported, with none of the persons with a history of overseas travel.

The tests were conducted by that country’s Central Laboratory of the Bureau for Public Health (BOG) and the laboratory of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo.

The Bureau for Public Health is investigating the cases, tracing contacts, conducting additional testing, and has increased surveillance to prevent further spread.

Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3–7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness.

People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.

There is no specific treatment for chikungunya.

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