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The WHO warns of a viral chikungunya outbreak.
Photo Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases via Unsplash
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an urgent warning about the mosquito-borne virus, chikungunya, which according to the organisation, poses a global risk. The WHO released an official statement regarding the virus on Tuesday, July 22, and claims that they are receiving the same patterns and warning signs as they were during the previous major outbreak, two decades ago.
The chikungunya virus is a disease spread through the bites of Aedes mosquitoes, including the tiger mosquito, which has been rampant recently in parts of Europe and also carries the dengue and Zika viruses. The virus can cause fever, severe and often debilitating joint pain, and in the most extreme cases, it can even be deadly. New outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean’s islands have already been spreading through Europe. The current outbreak of the virus began earlier this year and has already seen major outbreaks in La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one third of La Reunion’s population has already been infected, and the disease seems to be spreading quickly to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia, India, and Kenya.
Additionally, according to WHO spokesperson Diana Rojas Alvarez, it’s estimated that about 119 countries are currently at risk of an outbreak, across which there are an estimated 5.6 billion inhabitants. “We are seeing history repeating itself,” said Rojas Alvarez, in reference to the 2004 epidemic, which affected nearly 500,000 people.
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Symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent chinkungunya
The chikungunya can cause fever, joint pain and swelling, headache, a rash, fatigue, vomiting or nausea, conjunctivitis or otherwise red eyes.
Chikungunya has no specific treatment, but there are things victims can do to alleviate symptoms. Namely, rest, hydration, joint pain relief medicines and creams, over-the-counter acetaminophen and painkillers, and chronic arthritis medications can all help alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by the virus.
The WHO warns that prevention is key when it comes to mosquito-borne illnesses; those at risk should wear repellant spray and clothing that covers the body as much as possible, especially arms and legs.
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