ALERT: Please pay careful attention to prevention and monitoring of mosquito bites this year. See the attached story and read the following explanation from the Center for Disease Control. What is chikungunya? Chikungunya is an illness caused by a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Who is at risk? Travelers who go to these islands in the Caribbean are at risk of getting chikungunya. In addition, travelers to Africa, Asia, and islands in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific are also at risk, as the virus is present in many of these areas. The mosquito that carries chikungunya virus can bite during the day and night, both indoors and outdoors, and often lives around buildings in urban areas. What can travelers do to prevent chikungunya? There is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent chikungunya. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Prevent mosquito bites: Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Use an appropriate insect repellent as directed. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection. Use products with the following active ingredients: DEETExternal Web Site Icon (Products containing DEET include Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, and Ultrathon) Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin products containing picaridin include Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan [outside the US]) Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD (Products containing OLE include Repel and Off! Botanicals) IR3535 (Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart) Always follow product directions and reapply as directed: If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. Follow package directions when applying repellent on childrenExternal Web Site Icon. Avoid applying repellent to their hands, eyes, and mouth. Use permethrin-treatedExternal Web Site Icon clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself: Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See the product information to find out how long the protection will last. If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully. Do not use permethrin directly on skin. Stay and sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms. Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors. If you feel sick and think you may have chikungunya: Talk to your doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever. Tell them about your travel. For more information about medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care Abroad and a list of International Joint Commission-accredited facilities.External Web Site Icon Get lots of rest, and drink plenty of liquids. Avoid spreading the disease by preventing more mosquito bites.
Posted on: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 14:44:11 +0000
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