Santo Domingo.–The Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, reiterated that there is no currently registers an unusual circulation of the chikungunya virus, so they called on citizens to remain calm.
According to the Ministry of Health, the disease continues to occur in a sporadic and controlled manner, with no signs indicating an unusual increase. Although they insisted that the country is not facing an outbreak, they recalled that the virus is still present in the Caribbean and that it is important to reinforce prevention measures.
Mosquito-borne virus
Chikungunya is a viral disease that can only be acquired through the bite of the Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito, the same ones involved in the transmission of dengue and Zika.
These insects become infected by biting a sick person and can then transmit the virus to others. There is no direct contagion between humans.
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The period in which symptoms begin to appear is usually three to seven days after the bite. The most common signs include high fever and severe joint pain, which in some cases can last for weeks.
Call to prevent breeding sites
Public Health recalled that the most effective way to avoid infections is by reducing the presence of mosquitoes. Among the recommended actions are:
- Empty containers that accumulate water.
- Keep tanks and containers intended for storing liquid covered.
- Eliminate objects that can become breeding sites.
- Use mosquito nets and allow fumigation interventions.
The institution also urged the population to seek medical attention for any discomfort compatible with the virus and warned about the risks of self-medication.
According to authorities, the health system has diagnostic tests and treatments to alleviate symptoms, which is why they insist that there is no reason for alarm.
