Delaware reports first case of mosquito borne chikungunya.
By Cathy Carter
WDDE.org
July 25, 2014
A 51-year old Sussex County man is Delaware’s first confirmed case of the mosquito borne illness, chikungunya.
According to the Delaware Division of Public Health, the case is linked to the man’s recent travel to the Caribbean. Officials say he was treated for symptoms relating to the virus earlier in the month but was not admitted to the hospital.
DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay, says global travel made chikungunya’s arrival to the First State almost inevitable.
The virus causes debilitating joint pain, strong fever and rashes. Cases have also been reported in Philadelphia, Maryland and New Jersey.
The disease is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitos and person to person transmission is rare.
There is no treatment available for chikungunya and it may require hospitalization, depending on the severity of the case.
Dr. Awe Maduka-Ezeh, an infectious disease specialist for the Department of Public Health, says the First State has two species of mosquitoes that carry the virus.
Officials say to wear long clothing while outside, use mosquito repellant and take steps to remove standing bodies of water near your home.
– See more at: http://www.wdde.org/65351-delaware-reports-case-mosquito-borne-chikungunya#sthash.m79RNVru.dpuf
