With the recent outbreaks in the Caribbean and the Pacific, the number of chikungunya cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States from affected areas will likely increase. These imported cases could result in local spread of the virus in other parts of the United States. Chikungunya virus infection should be considered in patients with acute onset of fever and polyarthralgia, especially travelers who recently returned from areas with known virus transmission. Chikungunya virus diagnostic testing currently is performed at CDC, three state health departments (California, Florida, and New York), and one commercial laboratory (Focus Diagnostics). No specific treatment, vaccine, or preventive drug is available for chikungunya virus infection. Treatment is palliative and can include rest, fluids, and use of analgesics and antipyretics (1,3). Most patients' symptoms improve within 1 week. In some persons, joint pain can persist for months (2,3). The best way to prevent chikungunya virus infection is to avoid mosquito bites: use air conditioning or screens when indoors, use insect repellents, and wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Persons infected with chikungunya virus should be protected from mosquito exposure during the first week of illness to prevent further spread of the virus.
awhile back, Sidney was hospitalized with what they thought was dengue fever, but his tests were negative. I suspect it is this virus, which is also present in our area.
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