BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
ILOILO City – There were positive cases of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease similar to dengue, in six towns of Iloilo province, confirmed the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
The confirmed cases were from Oton, Igbaras, Carles, Alimodian, Badiangan, and Tigbauan, said Dr. Ma. Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon.
Results of the blood samples sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Metro Manila for analysis were released recently.
Out of 14 blood samples from Oton, 11 turned positive.
From Igbaras, particularly from Barangay Jovellar, one of three blood samples was positive.
From Barangay Bangcal, Carles, seven of 17 blood samples were positive while there as one positive case each from Alimodian and Badiangan.
From Tigbauan, two of six blood samples were positive.
CAN KILL LIKE DENGUE, TOO IF…
Chikungunya shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Although chikungunya is not as deadly as dengue, it can kill a person in some cases, especially if that person is “immune-compromised” and suffering from other diseases, according to Quiñon.
According to the WHO website, most chikungunya patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years.
Symptoms are generally self-limiting and last for two to three days. The virus remains in the human system for five to seven days and mosquitoes feeding on an infected person during this period can also become infected.
Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints.
Serious complications are not common, but in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death, said WHO.
PREVENTION
Aedes egypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the vectors of dengue and chikungunya, live and breed in clear, stagnant water.
The way to prevent the spread of the diseases is through the 4S Kontra Dengue/Chikungunya campaign, said Quiñon.
It means search and destroy the mosquitoes’ breeding places; self-protection or using anti-mosquito repellant lotion, and long-sleeved clothing; seeking early treatment when one has fever; and saying “no” to indiscriminate fogging./PN
