In some important infectious disease news out of Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated the world on the measles outbreak in Madagascar,
To date, officials have reported 66,000 cases since the outbreak began last September. In addition, at least 922 measles-related fatalities have been reported among children and young adults.
Madagascar measles outbreak a ‘grave concern’
In the Republic of Congo, an epidemic declaration has been issued in the Kouilou and Pool regions, with at least 1043 validated cases.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is transmitted from human to human by the bites of infected female mosquitoes.
According to WHO, chikungunya is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. The joint pain is often very debilitating, but usually ends within a few days or weeks. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints.
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