NewsDesk @bactiman63

The Epidemiology Division of the Philippines Department of Health recorded 77 additional chikungunya cases, bringing the country total to 478 through September 3.

This is an increase of 573 percent compared to the same period in 2021 when 71 cases were reported.

Calabarzon is the region reporting the most cases with 149, a 7350 percent increase from the two cases reported during the same time in 2021.

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Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes infected with the chikungunya virus.

It was first described during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952 and has now been identified in nearly 40 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and, most recently, the Americas. Symptoms usually begin 4 to 8 days after a mosquito bite but can appear anywhere from 2 to 12 days.

The most common symptom is an abrupt onset of fever, often accompanied by joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Severe joint pain usually lasts a few days but can persist for months or even years. Serious complications are uncommon, but atypical severe cases can cause long-term symptoms and even death, especially in older people.

There is currently no vaccine or specific drug against the virus.