NewsDesk @bactiman63

The Philippines Department of Health is reporting a significant increase in chikungunya cases in the first seven months of 2022.

Aedes aegypti/CDC

According to officials data released today, 372 cases of the mosquito-borne viral infection were reported from January 1 to July 30, 2022. This compared to 65 cases reported during the same period in 2021.

One death has been reported in Calabarzon.

Regions reporting the most cases include Calabarzon (103), Central Visayas (75) and Davao (67).

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.

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.