By NewsDesk @bactiman63
Officials in the Brazilian city of Petrópolis have reported a dramatic increase in chikungunya cases in 2019, according to a Tribuna de Petropolis report (computer translated).
After reporting just 10 cases in 2018, 2019 saw 620 confirmed chikungunya cases. Zika and dengue fever cases were also up in 2019 in Petrópolis, but to a much lesser extent.
City Hall has promoting combating the Aedes mosquito vector throughout the year and tens of thousands properties were visited.
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.
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