Are you a frozen Vermonter seeking warmth this winter? The Vermont Department of Health is reminding all people traveling to the Caribbean, and Central and South America and parts of Mexico to take precautions against chikungunya – a virus spread through mosquito bites.
Chikungunya infections are rarely fatal, but can cause severe joint pain, high fever, head and muscle aches, joint swelling and rash. The symptoms usually begin three to seven days after being bitten by a mosquito, which is why people are often diagnosed after returning to the United States.
There is currently no concern of local transmission of this virus in Vermont because the types of mosquitoes that carry the virus have not been detected in this area. However, there have been three cases reported to the Health Department in Vermonters who traveled to the Caribbean.
“Currently there is no vaccine or treatment for chikungunya, so we want to urge all Vermonters who are traveling to areas where the virus now exists to take precautions against mosquito bites,” said Erica Berl, an epidemiologist for the Health Department.
Berl recommends using effective insect repellant – especially during the daytime when this type of mosquito is most active – and making sure that doors and windows are screened to keep mosquitoes outside.
Traveler’s health information is available on the CDC website. Please check this site for updates prior to your trip.
