Aedes aegypti (left) and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the most common transmitter of chikungunya. – CDC Photo
The drier than normal northern Arizona weather may actually have at least one bright spot this year. A mosquito-borne illness labeled chikungunya, that is prevalent in the Caribbean, has now appeared in the United States. The virus causes high fevers and intense pain after an incubation period of three- to seven-days.
The dramatic claim by Phoenix television news that the disease “may be” fatal is apparently meant to appeal to the “reality television” mentality of their audience. Yes, it “may be” fatal, but like Swine Flu almost always isn’t. The World Health Organization contends that it could be a factor in the deaths of some elderly.
There is no vaccine or cure for the illness, however. Treatment revolves around mitigating the symptoms as possible. The Center for Disease Control web site says that the disease has been transmitted to unborn children from a pregnant mother, but that is rare. In theory, they say, it could be transmitted in a blood transfusion but there have been no recorded cases of that happening.
According to FOX News, Dr. Jorge Parada, medical director of the infection prevention program at Loyola University, Chicago, and medical spokesperson for the National Pest Management Association, said.
“The mosquitos that transmit this infection are pretty widespread around the world, and that’s why the infection has been able to spread across the tropical Pacific and now into the Caribbean.”
He said that the spread of the disease is another consequence of our highly mobile society.
From the CDC web site:
Chikungunya virus is most often spread to people by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These are the same mosquitoes that transmit dengue virus. They bite mostly during the daytime.
According to the World Health Organization, chikungunya is a viral disease first described in 1952 during an outbreak in southern Tanzania.
It is an RNA virus that belongs to the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae. 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 (arthralgia).
Their web site goes on to say:
“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, as well as gastrointestinal complaints. Serious complications are not common, but in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death.”
The CDC web site on chikungunya—not updated as of this writing—states that the disease was first noted in 2013 in the Caribbean and warned travelers about the transmission of the disease.
Dr. Parada echoes the sentiment of the CDC that bite prevention is the best medicine.
The CDC recommends a good mosquito repellent when going outdoors even during the day.
Collections of water, whether intended or not, are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Those in northern Arizona who may have stored some of what little moisture we have had should cover any water storage containers. Residents who transport water to their homes should check for leaks causing puddles to form and seal any leaks found.
In the event of a good monsoon season, residents should continually check for old tires or containers not meant for water storage and drain them. Check for leaks inside or outside the home which might provide a breeding puddle for mosquitoes and have them repaired.