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Philippines health officials reported 600 cumulative chikungunya cases in 2022 with two weeks left to report.

Image/CDC

From the beginning of 2022 through December 17, 600 cases were reported nationally. This is an increase of 552 percent compared to the same period in 2021 when 92 cases were reported.

Regions reporting the most cases in 2022 include Calabarzon (155), Central Visayas (127) and  Davao (114).

No deaths 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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