Residents Concerned About Mosquito-Borne Chikungunya Virus
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Florida Department of Health confirmed the first case of locally acquired Chikungunya, one in Miami-Dade and the other in Palm Beach County.
"Yes I am concerned I am worried," said Hector Galano a Miami-Dade resident after hearing the news.
Chikungunya is a virus spread by mosquitoes.
If a person who has Chikungunya is bitten by a mosquito, that same mosquito may then carry the virus and can infect another person with a bite.
According to the Department of Health, it was woman in her 40's who acquired the disease and man in his 50's in Palm Beach county. They are both said to be doing fine.
Chikungunya is not contagious from person-to-person and is typically not life-threatening. The virus will likely resolve on its own, however, the best way to avoid it is to prevent it.
Health officials recommend you drain all standing water from garbage cans, gutters, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers that may collect water. Protect your skin with clothing, shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Also, cover all doors and windows with screens to prevent mosquitoes from getting in.
The symptoms of Chikungunya are high fever, severe joint pain, headache and rash.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is recommended you visit your doctor . Currently there is no vaccine or medication against this virus.
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