PANDEMIC AND EPIDEMIC TRENDING: QUOTE British tourists in the Caribbean are being struck down by a debilitating and potentially deadly virus carried by mosquitoes. An unprecedented outbreak of the Chikungunya virus is affecting islands including Barbados, St Lucia and the Grenadines, where many UK holidaymakers flock during the festive season. Thousands have been hit by the illness, which leaves victims bedridden for days. Some have reported feeling the effects for months or years after contracting the bug, and more vulnerable victims have died. An unprecedented outbreak of the Chikungunya virus is affecting islands including Barbados, St Lucia and the Grenadines, where many UK holidaymakers flock during the festive season Trials of an anti-viral drug in the US have had positive results, but there is currently no vaccine commercially available. Yesterday, there were fears that British tourists may not realise the dangers until it is too late, amid reports that tour operators are playing down the problem. Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by infected female mosquitoes with symptoms including high fever, headaches, rashes and severe joint pain. After being bitten the onset of illness occurs usually between four and eight days but can range from two to 12. There is no vaccine or cure and treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms. Most patients recover fully but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, in addition to gastrointestinal complaints. The name ‘chikungunya’ derives from a word in the Kimakonde language, meaning ‘to become contorted’ and describes the stooped appearance of sufferers with joint pain. Source: World Health Organisation
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 11:58:20 +0000
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