Club correspondents Steers/Cariconsult International, Bridgetown, Barbados have advised the Club of an ongoing outbreak of Chikungunya virus in the Caribbean.
The Chikungunya virus is transmitted by two types of infected mosquito, aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus, which are easily identified by white bands on their legs. Chikungunya is not fatal, but the symptoms can be severe and debilitating. There is no vaccine, therefore treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms.
Symptoms
Chikungunya is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. The joint pain is often very debilitating, but usually lasts for a few days or may be prolonged to weeks.
Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. 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. Often symptoms in infected individuals are mild and the infection may go unrecognized, or be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue occurs.
Precautionary Measures
Mosquitoes tend to bite between dawn and dusk, with possible peaks of biting activity in the early morning and late afternoon.
Mosquitoes breed in water; therefore higher concentrations of mosquitoes may be expected in and around still water areas, even small puddles of rainwater. To discourage mosquito activity, containers such as buckets holding standing water should be emptied, covered or removed, and any areas of standing water on deck should be brushed away.
When going outside during daylight hours bare skin, particularly arms and legs, should be covered with light coloured, loose fitting apparel; mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing and can in some cases bite through tight clothing. A suitable insect repellent containing DEET should be applied to any exposed skin, following the manufacturer’s instructions and re-applying it regularly as sweat will reduce its effectiveness over time. If sun screen is also being used, this should be applied first.
Vessels visiting ports in the affected islands should ensure that the air conditioning is in use and close all external doors, windows and ports including any mesh screens. Where practicable, air vents in the accommodation should also be shut. Any mosquitoes spotted inside the accommodation should be eradicated, ideally using a knockdown insecticide spray.
On ships not equipped with air conditioning, external doors and all open windows and ports should be fitted with mesh screens. Bed nets should also be used, ensuring that they are well tucked in and there are no mosquitoes inside before going to sleep. Bed nets should be soaked in a suitable insecticide every six months and regularly inspected for holes and tears.
Source: West of England P&I Club
You can find more information onChikungunya virus by visiting World Health Orginization website |