The WHO warns of a viral chikungunya outbreak.
Photograph Credit score: Nationwide Institute of Allergy and Infectious Ailments by way of Unsplash
The World Well being Organisation (WHO) has issued an pressing warning in regards to the mosquito-borne virus, chikungunya, which in keeping with the organisation, poses a worldwide threat. The WHO launched an official assertion relating to the virus on Tuesday, July 22, and claims that they’re receiving the identical patterns and warning indicators as they have been throughout the earlier main outbreak, twenty years in the past.
The chikungunya virus is a illness unfold by the bites of Aedes mosquitoes, together with the tiger mosquito, which has been rampant not too long ago in elements of Europe and likewise carries the dengue and Zika viruses. The virus could cause fever, extreme and infrequently debilitating joint ache, and in probably the most excessive circumstances, it could possibly even be lethal. New outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean’s islands have already been spreading by Europe. The present outbreak of the virus started earlier this yr and has already seen main outbreaks in La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one third of La Reunion’s inhabitants has already been contaminated, and the illness appears to be spreading shortly to nations similar to Madagascar, Somalia, India, and Kenya.
Moreover, in keeping with WHO spokesperson Diana Rojas Alvarez, it’s estimated that about 119 nations are presently susceptible to an outbreak, throughout which there are an estimated 5.6 billion inhabitants. “We’re seeing historical past repeating itself,” stated Rojas Alvarez, in reference to the 2004 epidemic, which affected practically 500,000 individuals.
Signs, remedies, and how you can forestall chinkungunya
The chikungunya could cause fever, joint ache and swelling, headache, a rash, fatigue, vomiting or nausea, conjunctivitis or in any other case crimson eyes.
Chikungunya has no particular remedy, however there are issues victims can do to alleviate signs. Specifically, relaxation, hydration, joint ache reduction medicines and lotions, over-the-counter acetaminophen and painkillers, and continual arthritis medicines can all assist alleviate the ache and discomfort brought on by the virus.
The WHO warns that prevention is vital in the case of mosquito-borne diseases; these in danger ought to put on repellant spray and clothes that covers the physique as a lot as attainable, particularly legs and arms.