CHIKUNGUNYA  in  Marinduque(?)

Chikungunya (in the Makonde language "that which bends up") virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus, of the genus Alphavirus, that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes.^[1] There have been recent breakouts of CHIKV associated with severe illness.

CHIKV infection causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever, with an acute febrile phase of the illness lasting only two to five days, followed by a prolonged arthralgic disease that affects the joints of the extremities. The pain associated with CHIKV infection of the joints persists for weeks or months, or in some cases years.

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) , made a research to some municipalities in the island and had identified 10 Barangays in the Municipality of Boac that were affected by Chikungunya virus according to reports for the first time in health history of the province.

According to reports  the Chief of Executive of the local government prompted and thru the resolution of the Sangguniang Bayan members it was done and declared the municipality under the ‘State of Calamity’.

However, Chikungunya would not be fatal as notorious as Dengue but these would still requires medical attention, said DOH Sec. Enrique Tayag.

Therefore, individuals whom acquired viral disease encourage not keeping away themselves from medical advice and treatment.

Target areas of the body

___________________________________________________________

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM-DOH),

the infectious and tropical diseases arm of the Department of Health provides research and laboratory monitoring of infectious diseases in the country.