Since the first ever appearance of the chikungunya virus in the Western Hemisphere approximately 10 weeks ago, the spread of chikungunya in the eastern Caribbean appears to be unstoppable. It was first detected in St. Martin. In just the last week, there were an additional 507 probable or confirmed cases reported. Martinique is reporting the highest numbers, 1,058 confirmed or probable chikungunya cases and an additional 3,940 suspected cases.
During the past week, the number of new cases reported increased in some of the affected areas, up to an estimated total of 8,000 cases or more for the entire area since the epidemic began. No new affected areas or islands were reported. The islands affected continue to be St Martin/St Maarten, Martinique, St Barthelemy, Guadeloupe, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Dominica, Aruba, St. Kitts and Nevis, and French Guiana in mainland South America. A new suspected case in a second city in French Guiana (Sinnamary) suggests that the disease is spreading in that country.
You need to watch out for the mosquitoes that carry this virus. Don’t get bitten.
Chikungunya virus infections may have long lasting health consequences. You can reduce your risk of exposure to this virus by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Follow these simple steps: