Even as the Health Ministry awaits results from Trinidad and Tobago, the number of confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus has doubled to 62 within the last two weeks.
Over 170 samples were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing and so far 62 samples have returned positive, Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud told Stabroek News yesterday.
Thirty-two of the 62 confirmed cases are women. Thirty-six confirmed cases of the virus came from Region Six, 19 from Region Four and the others from across Regions Three, Five and Ten. Some of its symptoms include: sudden high fever, joint and muscle pains, skin rash and headaches. And while there is no specific treatment for chikungunya, medicines are available to treat the symptoms.
Persaud said the ministry has increased its education drive, along with fogging activities in and out of the city. “We are focusing more on educating the population,” he stated.
He said when the virus emerged in May, vector control officers were on the ground and visiting the homes of suspected infected patients to inform them about the virus. He said the officers visited homes and inspected containers that were collecting water.
However, as the figures rose, he said, it became difficult to continue with the house-to-house and therefore
