Early this year, chikungunya was reportedly detected in some people in Mauritius with 0 fatality. Since July 4, 100 new confirmed cases of chikungunya have been detected making a total of 1540 cases since the start of the year. No deaths have been reported so far.
Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms that usually start showing up 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya however, hygiene is the key to ensure mosquitos don’t gather around.