Chikungunya outbreak reported in Samar

CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — Two villages in the municipality of Gandara in Samar have been placed under Code Red after 84 people reportedly contracted the mosquito-borne disease chikungunya.

The outbreak prompted local officials to tap their constituents in efforts aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Data from the Gandara rural health unit showed all 84 confirmed cases were recorded in the villages of Ngoso and Catorse de Agosto, which have been under Code Red since June 30.

Health officials said the first case was detected in May.

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites, particularly aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus, the same mosquitoes that transmit dengue and zika, respectively. 

While rarely fatal, chikungunya can cause severe joint pains that may last for weeks or even months.

Common symptoms include sudden high fever, skin rashes, headache and fatigue as well as severe joint and muscle pains.

Although the outbreak has so far been limited to the two villages, local health officials are closely monitoring 67 other barangays in Gandara to prevent the disease from spreading.

To contain the outbreak, the municipal government urged residents to clean their surroundings regularly, unclog canals and drainage systems, remove stagnant water from containers and destroy potential mosquito breeding sites.

Anyone manifesting symptoms of chikungunya must seek medical attention immediately, authorities said.

Since there is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya, doctors recommend rest, hydration and medication to relieve fever and pain. 

Because the symptoms of the disease are similar to dengue, patients are advised to first consult a health care provider before taking any medication.

Ibuprofen or aspirin must not be taken without doctor’s advice as these may increase the risk of bleeding, especially  if a patient is found to have contracted dengue instead of chikungunya.