Costa Rica's Health Ministry reported on Monday that 106 people have been infected with Chikungunya, a disease caused by mosquito bites. They added that 70 of all patients have contracted the virus in the country.
Dr. Roberto Castro, Health Ministry Surveillance United Director, reported that majority of the cases were from the north and central Pacific regions specifically among the Guanacaste residents of Abangares and Carrillo. Also, there were cases reported from Garabito and Central Canton of Puntarenas. Also, he added that about 68% of all patients are women who are 20 to 49 years old. .
Health Vice Minister Maria Esther Anchia said that they found Aedesaegypti and Aedesalbopictus mosquitoes in the area. These mosquitoes are known carriers of the virus that causes Chikungunya. Chikungunya is a viral diseases transmitted through infected mosquitoes which is characterized by sudden onset of high fever and severe joint pains that can last from days to even years.
Thus, health officials are coordinating with public agencies and local government officials to develop preventive measures to protect their constituents from the said virus. Cleaning the surroundings and making sure breeding grounds of mosquitoes are eradicated are some of the ways to prevent the disease.
Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Health, housewives are most likely to be infected with Chikungnya virus. Also, the Chikungunya scare became a major worry among citizens not only in Costa Rica but also in other countries worldwide. In fact, Colombia reports 113,000 cases from July 2014 and Honduras reports 50 cases in the past three weeks.
Treatment is concentrated in supportive care since this is an incurable disease. Rehydration and pain relief are important in order to prevent serious complications which may arise.
