A critical health alert has been issued in the West following the identification of the area’s first local case of chikungunya on Saturday, March 15. The individual affected is currently in good health and has been admitted to a private clinic for appropriate medical care.
In response to this concerning development, the Ministry of Health has swiftly implemented its protocol for managing vector-borne diseases.
Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, the Director of Health Services, has initiated public health measures related to this case. Together with the Regional Public Health Superintendent, he has engaged with the infected individual to conduct thorough investigations.
The purpose of this inquiry is to determine the source of the infection, identify a potential index case, and outline the necessary health actions going forward.
Key measures being enacted include mosquito control operations around the patient’s residence and in a northern locality that the individual recently visited.
Dr. Khodabocus noted, “An inspection of locations frequented by this person has also occurred, followed by fumigation efforts, contact tracing, fever surveys, and targeted interventions such as larviciding and mist blowing.”
Previously, most chikungunya cases in the region were imported from areas in Asia, Africa, and the island of Réunion. Typically, annual reported cases were swiftly contained by health authorities.
However, with the increase in cases documented in Réunion in recent months, surveillance measures had already been heightened.
Dr. Vasantrao Gujadhur from the public health service emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance at the country’s points of entry, specifically at the port and airport.
He also called for awareness campaigns to educate the public on preventive measures against mosquito bites and the proliferation of these insects.
Additionally, the Vector Biology and Control Division is closely monitoring the Breteau index, which measures the density of chikungunya-carrying mosquitoes, particularly Aedes albopictus.
Investigations will continue in the affected areas to comprehensively evaluate the situation.
Dr. Khodabocus has urged the public to eliminate stagnant water around their properties to reduce potential larval breeding sites.
Furthermore, a multisectoral meeting was held this Monday at the Ministry of Health headquarters to further discuss the ongoing situation.
As the threat of chikungunya looms, it is essential for the community to remain alert and proactive in fighting this mosquito-borne illness.
Understanding Chikungunya
- Chikungunya is a viral disease that spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
- It is endemic in over 100 countries throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Americas. 1 7
- The mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya are usually active during daylight hours, especially in early morning and late afternoon.
Personal Protection Measures
Clothing and Body Coverage
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize exposed skin.
Insect Repellents
- Regularly apply effective insect repellent to exposed skin. (you can use mosquito patches as well)
- Use repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR535 for longer-lasting protection.
- If using both sunscreen and repellent, apply sunscreen first, then the repellent.
Indoor Protection
- Stay or sleep indoors whenever possible, especially in air-conditioned or well-screened areas.
- Install window screens and keep windows and doors closed where possible.
- Use mosquito netting if staying in areas that are open to the outdoors or lack proper screening.
Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites
- Remove containers around your home that can collect water and serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
- Dump out any standing water in flower pots, buckets, or other containers.
- Clear roof gutters and plant pots regularly to prevent water accumulation.
- Ensure water containers, barrels, wells, and storage tanks are well covered.
- Avoid areas with stagnant water, which are prime mosquito breeding grounds.
Travel Precautions
- If traveling to areas with known chikungunya outbreaks, take all previously mentioned precautions seriously.
- Pregnant women, especially those in late pregnancy, should avoid traveling to areas with chikungunya outbreaks, as the virus can be passed to newborns.
- Consider vaccination if recommended by your healthcare provider and if available in your region.