Iloilo CHO warns public against "chikungunya" disease

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Following an outbreak being reported in Surigao del Sur, the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) is now warning the public to be more cautious of “chikungunya,” a new viral disease, which is also spread by mosquitoes.

CHO assistant department head Mae Delmo said “chikungunya” or Japanese encephalitis has symptoms much like dengue but more fatal as it affects the brain.

Delmo said the sympoms of chikungunya are high fever, rashes and other indications similar with dengue, but the former has arthritis component such as joint pains and swelling.

Chikungunya symptoms of high fever, joint pain, joint swelling, rash, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and fatigue will be felt in four to seven days after the patient is bitten by the carrier-mosquito.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said the name chikungunya refers to the “stooped” appearance of those suffering with joint pain.

Meanwhile, City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has already directed the CHO to make the necessary monitoring if there are cases here and to spread the advocacy against this mosquito-borne disease.  (FREEMAN)