Timor-Leste chikungunya outbreak prompts CDC travel notice
The Director General of Primary Health Care of the Timor-Leste Ministry of Health, Elisabeth Leto Mau, said on January 25 of a sudden increase in chikungunya case—noting a total of 183 cases were reported.
Most of the cases were reported in the capital city of Dili (85) and Ermera municipality (78). Three other cities account for the remaining 20 cases.
The recent outbreak in Timor-Leste has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a travel notice for the Southeast Asian country.
CDC notes:
Mosquitoes spread the virus that causes chikungunya.
You can protect yourself by preventing mosquito bites, which includes using insect repellent; wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants; and staying in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.
If you are pregnant, reconsider travel to Timore-Leste, particularly if you are close to delivering your baby. Mothers infected around the time of delivery can pass the virus to their baby before or during delivery. Newborns infected in this way or by mosquito bite are at risk for severe illness, including poor long-term outcomes.
You should seek medical care if you develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash, during or after travel.
PODCAST- Roger S. Nasci, PhD- Chikungunya
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 high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya. A vaccine was recently licensed in the United States for adults aged 18 years and older. An Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Work Group is developing vaccine recommendations for ACIP to consider.