Many people will be traveling to areas that are affected by chikungunya fever (CHIKV) over the holidays and throughout the winter. The WorldClinic Physicians and Care Team feels that it is important to keep you informed about this mosquito-borne illness and what you can do to avoid it.
 
What Is CHIKV?  
CHIKV is a very painful, but seldom fatal, viral illness. Acute CHIKV usually lasts a few days to a few weeks, but some patients have symptoms for several weeks and report incapacitating joint pain or arthritis lasting several weeks. The virus is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory testing and history of exposure. There is no specific treatment for CHIKV and no current vaccine or antiviral treatment. Care is based on symptoms and includes rest, fluids and medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen. Aspirin should be avoided.
 
How Is CHIKV Transmitted?
CHIKV is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The first known local transmission in the Americas was reported in the Caribbean in December, 2013. Cases have been reported throughout the world including Africa, South America, the United States, Central America, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans.  
 
What Does Local Transmission Mean?
Local transmission means that an infected mosquito bites a person. Most cases in the United States have been related to travel to regions where CHIKV is common. However, Florida has reported 11 cases of local transmission as of November 2014, so we expect to see more cases in the U.S.
 
What Does The CDC Recommend?      
As of December 12th, local transmission has been identified in 41 countries or territories in the Caribbean, Central America, South America and North America with a total of 1,012,347 suspected and 22,579 laboratory-confirmed chikungunya cases being reported from these areas, according to the Pan American Health Organization.
 
The CDC recommends a level one watch for a number of areas including: French Guinea, French Polynesia, Central America, the Caribbean and Samoa. This recommendation encourages people to practice usual precautions and be aware of the risks.
 
Prevention is key! Use an insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of eucalyptus on exposed skin to prevent mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and pants and treat clothing with permethrin or another repellent. Secure screens on windows and doors and use mosquito netting over sleeping areas.

For a complete list of mosquito-borne illness prevention go to:  WorldClinic Preventing Mosquito Bites

Dan Carlin, MD, is founder of the WorldClinic, a global concierge telemedicine practice. For more information on how you can become a member, visit www.worldclinic.com.