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Philippines health officials reported 23 additional chikungunya cases since our last report about three weeks ago, according to the latest data the Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau.
This brings the country’s cumulative total to 501 cases through September 17. This is a 596 percent increase in cases compared to the same period in 2021 (72).
The Calabarzon region accounted for 30 percent of the total (150), followed by the Central Visayas (99), Davao (85) and the Western Visayas (65).
In fact, Calabarzon has seen a 7400% increase in cases comapred to last year when 2 cases were reported.
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes infected with the chikungunya virus.
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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.
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