Chikungunya Virus

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical care; and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any illness.. The information contained here is intended as travel tips for safe travel.

QUICK FACTS:

• Chikungunya is a virus spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine at this time.
• Chikungunya virus was first reported in the Caribbean in late 2013. Since then it has spread throughout the Region propelled by inter-island travel and tourism.
• Symptoms usually appear 3 – 7 days after infection
• Symptoms include – fever, joint pain and headache

PREVENTION

At this time there is no vaccine for Chikungunya; so preventing infection is your only line of defense against contracting the virus.

The best way to avoid infection is by avoiding mosquito bites!

PROTECT YOURSELF

• The mosquitoes that carry the Chikungunya virus are active mostly during daylight hours.
  Visitors to St John, the Virgin Islands and the islands throughout the Caribbean can reduce the chances of being bitten and contracting the virus by following these guidelines:
• Make sure that screens are secure and/or use air conditioning in your home. The use of mosquito bed nets is another line of defense.
• Empty standing water in and around your home or villa as these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants for added protection.
• Use insect repellants that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon and eucalyptus and/or para-menthane-diol bug sprays.
• If using with sunscreen – apply the sunscreen first and bug spray last.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when applying insect repellants.

Symptoms of Chikunguna and Treatment for Chikunguna

• Symptoms usually appear 3-7 days after the mosquito bite.
• The most common symptoms are fever and joint aches / pain.
• You may also experience headache, joint swelling muscle aches and rash.

For a complete list of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment please read the CDC’s information on Chikungunya care. Click here for more information on Chickungunya

CDC Chikungunya Resources

Current CDC Notices for US Virgin Islands including Saint John
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/usvirgin-islands

Healthy Travel Packing List / CDC
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/usvirgin-islands/traveler/packing-list

CDC Chikungunya Web Site
http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/