Despite heightened surveillance by the authorities, Guyana has not managed to escape the epidemic of chikungunya which affects the Caribbean region. A first case has been identified by the regional health agency of the department (ARS). This virus is transmitted from man to man by the bites of the tiger mosquito (black and white), in particular during the hot seasons in countries with regions with a humid climate. Among the symptoms, high fever, pain in all the joints and strong headaches.
According to the ARS, the chikungunya epidemic was declared on the island of Saint Martin, in the northeast of the West Indies, but the starting point of the virus would be based in Martinique, where two cases were confirmed on December 20. “As soon as a high fever and intense joint pain appear, it is imperative to consult your doctor. Appropriate measures must also be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes which could then transmit the disease by biting the people around him”, warns Guyana Agency, while the department is in the middle of a rainy season.
Protect yourself for two weeks
The movement of people between the West Indies and Guyana due to the end-of-year celebrations also worries the authorities. According to experts, the tiger mosquito can carry chikungunya for about three weeks after biting a person who has the virus. To limit any introduction of the disease into Guyana, the ARS advises people traveling to Saint Martin to protect themselves from mosquito bites, during their stay and for at least two weeks after their return. It is advisable to: sleep under a mosquito net, use repellents in the form of a spray or milk and wear long clothes.
