IN THE NEWS – CHIKUNGUYA SPREAD BY MOSQUITOES

This is a community service alert for the Las Vegas Valley regarding the relatively new mosquito-transmitted disease Chikunguya. As of June 4 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified 17 different countries with outbreaks of the disease.

People travelling to the Caribbean island countries should stay alert – there have been reported cases from Florida to Rhode Island and with the amount of tourists we get in Las Vegas it is highly likely we should see cases here at well.

The symptoms usually begin 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If you think you have been bitten please consult with a medical expert.

• The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain.
• Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
• Chikungunya disease does not often result in death, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling.
• Most patients feel better within a week. In some people, the joint pain may persist for months.
• People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (≥65 years), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
• Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.

There is not set treatment for the disease. The symptoms usually abate in about a week. Doctors suggest the following:

• There is no medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection or disease.
• Decrease the symptoms:

o    Get plenty of rest

o    Drink fluids to prevent dehydration

o    Take medicines, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain.

To prevent having mosquitoes get rid of any container outside that can hold still water – the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

GLOBAL PEST SERVICE cares about the residents of the Las Vegas Valley so if you have any questions please contact us http://www.globalpestlasvegas.com.

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