In a follow-up to a report late last week, the American Samoa Health Department has reported approximately 45 additional cases of chikungunya, bringing the total to 390, according to a Radio New Zealand report yesterday.
Health officials also say that seven people required hospitalization for their illness. No deaths have been reported.
The surge in chikungunya cases since the beginning of July has prompted health authorities to set up a chikungunya hotline for residents to call and the health alert urged affected residents not to travel outside Tutuila, even to the territory’s Manu’a island group.
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The virus causes high fever and severe joint pain that start suddenly. It can also cause headache, muscle pain and rash. CHIKV does not often result in death, but the symptoms can be disabling, and some people may get severe complications. There is no specific medication available to treat CHIKV and there is not a vaccine. Avoiding mosquito bites is the key to avoid CHIKV. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
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