By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

From the beginning of the year through July, Brazil health authorities have reported 97,900 probable cases of chikungunya in the country.

Image/CDC

This is up from 72,000 cases reported during the same period in 2018.

Southeast and Northeast regions represent the highest incidence of the mosquito-borne viral disease, with Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande North and Pará states being highlighted.

In addition, 40 fatalities have been reported by health authorities with 34 in Rio de Janeiro alone.

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Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash.

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The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue and Zika, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where they are common. As there is no cure, treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

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