The potentially deadly Chikungunya virus is sweeping the Caribbean

You’ve probably seen in the news or online that this virus is currently making it’s way through t he Caribbean and Mexico.

Tour Operators and Agencies have been accused of ‘playing it down’ so here it is.  Everything you need to know.

There is no vaccination or cure.  The advice is to try and prevent it.  It’s a virus that is contracted after being bitten by an infected mosquito.  Symptoms usually start within 3-7 days after being bitten.  The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain.  Other symptoms include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling and rash.

The virus does not often result in death (but has done in some cases) but the symptoms can be severe and debilitating. Most patients feel better within a week although the joint pain can persist for months in some cases.

Those more at risk include newborns, older adults (65+) and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

Once you’ve been infected once, your amazing immune system becomes resistant and you’re unlikely to get it again (Hoorah!)

If you develop symptoms, see a doctor who may order blood tests.

There is no cure and treatment is  based on relieving the symptoms. Get plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration and take pain relief medication and anti inflammatories to reduce pain. There is no prevention other than avoiding mosquito bites to the best of your ability.

Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

• Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.  If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes outside your home or hotel room by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets.
• When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use insect repellents
  • Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide long lasting protection.
  • If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.
  • Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
  • Treat clothing with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated clothing.
  • Always follow the label instructions when using insect repellent or sunscreen.

So there it is in all it’s glory.

Whilst you’re reading this, I’m in the Caribbean myself trying my best to avoid being bitten by mosquitos who seem to love me!  Where’s that fly swat….?