DOH confirms chikungunya outbreak in 2 Antique villages

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease, in two barangays in Patnongon, Antique, afflicting 313 residents.

DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag said no death has been reported and the increase in cases in Barangays Mabasa and Poblacion – where the “attack rate” was highest – was observed to have started last April.  

Tayag said mosquito larvae were found in bamboo fences, which had kept rainwater, in the affected villages. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes chikungunya as a viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes. It is characterized by fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash.

“The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms,” according to the WHO website.

The disease is spread by Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are also vectors of dengue.