The number of cases of the newly introduced mosquito borne virus, chikungunya, as expected, is growing at a rapid rate in Haiti. The latest official tally from the Haitian Ministry of Health from May 20 says they have now seen 3460 cases identified according to Dr. Anne Marie Desormeaux, epidemiologist and director of the epidemiology, laboratory and research ( DELR ) (computer translated).

Image/CIA
Image/CIA

A more current media report Saturday, from the news source, Haiti Libre cites health officials as reporting  5,155 confirmed cases of Chikungunya.

The Ministry of Public Health and Population ( MSPP) says that the chikungunya is spread throughout the national territory with the West reporting 65 percent of cases and the Northwestern area reporting 12 percent as the two areas most affected. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page.

Dr. Donald Francis, Director of Support health decentralization ( UADS ) warns the public to strengthen vector control inside and outside the home. They are also advising citizens to only buy medications from licensed pharmacies and to beware of price-gouging.

Throughout the Caribbean islands, the chikungunya outbreak continues it’s spread. The European Centre of Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported Friday over 63,000 confirmed and suspected cases of the infection.

Related story: Chikungunya, Cholera And Other Diseases In Haiti: An ‘On The Ground’ Perspective With Haitian Hearts, Dr. John Carroll