Christ Episcopal Church  *  Valdosta, Georgia
Dominican Republic Mission News

DR 2014 Mission Trip

Chikungunya Virus

 

Julius and I have recently learned that a relatively new tropical disease, chikungunya virus infection, is being seen more and more in the Dominican Republic after first appearing in other Caribbean islands in late 2013. Most incidents in the Dominican Republic have been reported from the southern coastal areas, not in the central highlands where we will be spending most of our time. However, we are staying overnight in Santo Domingo, which has reported several cases of this disease. 

 

After consulting with team leader Fred Richter and also with Bill Querin, a medical doctor who is a member of our 2014 team, we are sending out this information about chikungunya virus so that you can take appropriate steps to minimize your risks of infection and also to recognize the symptoms should you become infected. Please be aware that these symptoms could initially arise only after you have returned from the mission trip, and so you may need to alert your health care provider about possible exposure to chikungunya. There have been recent reports from southern Florida of chikungunya symptoms from travelers recently returned from Haiti and the Dominican Republic:

 

Miami Herald article about chikungunya symptoms in Florida

 

 

The most important preventive step is to minimize your exposure to mosquito bites while in the Dominican Republic. You should consider bringing the strongest mosquito repellent that you can use consistently for a week. Although we expect that our dormitory rooms will be screened, we will be spending most of our daylight hours in open-air environments. 

 

The bulletin from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about this virus is linked below:

 

 http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/

 

This CDC bulletin contains the following summary information about the virus:

 

Chikungunya virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of chikungunya virus infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In late 2013, chikungunya virus was found for the first time in the Americas on islands in the Caribbean. Chikungunya virus is not currently found in the United States. There is a risk that the virus will be imported to new areas by infected travelers. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. When traveling to countries with chikungunya virus, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.

 

Symptoms

  • Most people infected with chikungunya virus will develop some symptoms.
  • Symptoms usually begin 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.
  • Chikungunya disease does not often result in death, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling.
  • Most patients feel better within a week. In some people, the joint pain may persist for months.
  • People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (≥65 years), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
  • Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.
Diagnosis
  • The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue, another disease spread by mosquitoes.
  • See your doctor if you develop the symptoms described above.
  • If you have recently traveled, tell your doctor.
  • Your doctor may order blood tests to look for chikungunya or other similar diseases.
Treatment
  • There is no medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection or disease.
  • Decrease the symptoms:
    • Get plenty of rest
    • Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
    • Take medicines, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain.
  A more detailed CDC bulletin for health care providers is linked below:


 

If you have questions, please email or phone me. 

 

Your friend in Christ, 

Julia 

- - - - -
Julia C. Ariail
Christ Episcopal Church
1521 N. Patterson Street
Valdosta, Georgia 31602-3848


juliacariail@bellsouth.net

229-559-7329
Christ Episcopal Church * 1521 North Patterson Street * Valdosta, Georgia 31602