The Return of Chickungunya – How prepared are we this time around?
As reports surfaced recently that the much feared Chickungunya virus is resurfacing again, many are asking whether the Ministry of Health is prepared to deal with the potential pandemic this time round. The Chickungunya virus which reaped havoc amongst the population only months ago with thousands of people affected and visiting health centres, clinics, hospitals and private medical practitioners, is raising its ugly head again.
Chickungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever caused by an alpha virus that is spread by mosquito bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito, though recent research by the Pasteur Institute in Paris claim that the virus has suffered a mutation that enable it to be transmitted, by Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito). This was the cause of the actual plague in the Indian Ocean and is currently a threat to the Mediterranean coast requiring urgent meetings of health officials in France, Italy and Spain.
The symptoms of chikungunya are now common and well known. After an incubation period of 3 to 12 days there is a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms including a severe headache, chills, fever (40C-104oF), joint pain, nausea and vomiting. The joints of the extremities in particular become swollen and painful to the touch. A rash may sometimes occur. Hemorrhage is rare and all but a few patients recover within 3-5 days. Some can suffer from joint pain for months. Children may display neurological symptoms.
Many countries of the region such as Mauritius, Reunion and Madagascar were not spared the wrath of the virus with direct negative impact on tourism figures. Although there were no known fatalities in Seychelles as a result of the virus, in Reunion, for example, some cases were fatal. It is now known that the virus is spread by mosquitoes.
A Company in America has developed a very effective method of fighting chickungunya which is known as BTI or Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis, which kill larvae within 24 hours. It is also non-toxic to fish, aqua life, plants, pets and man. At the time of going to press it was not known whether the Ministry of Health has this mosquito killer in stock. The recent spate of rainfall has brought with it hyperactive mosquito infestations in several areas around the country especially around the inner islands where new hotels are being built or have been built. Water catchments in rocks, tree trunks and around plants are known to be favourite breeding grounds for mosquito. There are already some people who have reported to hospital with complaints of chikungunya related fever. Following calls by President Michel for his Ministers to inform the public of the various Ministries’ programmes and strategies for the next five years through the media, the Minister of Health was one the first Ministers to avail herself of the SBC television to explain the plans of her Ministry. However, the Minister failed to mention whether the Ministry of Health has an effective programme in place to combat the dreaded chickungunya virus. Spraying of public places where mosquitoes are known to thrive which was once common here has been non existent of late. It is hoped that an official of the Ministry of Health will now enlighten the public on preventive measures being taken by the Ministry to drastically reduce the impact of the virus when it hits again. Hopefully, we will not be caught off guard again and the economy will not suffer as thousands are given sick leave and become non productive citizens because of chikungunya.
