African Mosquito-Bred Virus "Chikungunya" Spreads to the Americas

The World Health Organization ( WHO) confirmed on Dec. 6 that the Caribbean isle of Saint Martin, located off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, harbors two cases of the African mosquito-bred virus formerly known as "chikungunya."

Health officials are warning area residents that a disease outbreak in the area may be imminent, despite the fact that the disease is native to Africa.

"This is the first time that locally acquired transmission of chikungunya has been detected in the WHO Americas Region," the organization said, via a statement.

It is spread through mosquito bites, and usually includes fever, headache and joint pain-particularly in the ankles and wrists. Fortunately, the disease is rarely fatal.

As of Nov. 18, five cases of joint pain and fever were confirmed in the area. Though health official first suspected dengue fever, according to the release, it was soon ruled out. As of Dec. 10, the WHO states that "two confirmed, four probable and twenty suspected cases of chikungunya infection have been reported."  The diagnoses were confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test performed by the French National Reference Centre for arboviruses in Marseille.

The name "chikungunya" comes from a word in the Makonde language that means "that which bends up," reflecting the physique of a person suffering from the disease, according to the WHO. It was first discovered by scientists in Tanzania in 1955.

As there is no vaccine for the problem at this time, preventative measures for the disease include raising awareness and taking action to prevent mosquito bites such as nets and sprays. Reducing the habitat of mosquitoes' breeding grounds also helps to prevent risk of the disease. This can be done by closing open areas of water where the insects like to live and mate.