The CDC warns about another serious mosquito-carried virus coming into the U.S. after confirming 10 people infected on the Caribbean island of St. Martin, and advises taking precautions.
The West Nile virus first made its way to the U.S. in 1999. After biting infected people, mosquitoes then spread the virus by biting others, and now the infection is found all across North America. The CDC now warns about another serious mosquito-carried virus coming into the U.S. after confirming 10 people infected on the Caribbean island of St. Martin, and advises taking precautions.
Spread by the Asian tiger mosquito, the Chikungunya virus results in headaches, rashes, fever, and joint pain so bad that bodies are contorted in agony. While it’s not typically deadly and those exposed should have lifelong immunity, there’s no specific treatment or vaccine so the body has to recover naturally over time.
Even though 109 people have carried the virus to the U.S. without it spreading, theoretically just one infected person could turn into an outbreak in New York City if the mosquitoes increased in number.
Travelers should be extra careful about wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using insect repelling products, and keeping mosquitoes outside by using air conditioning and screens.
If anyone experiences the virus’ symptoms, a doctor should be seen. Infected patients should prevent themselves from getting bit again and spreading the virus to others.
