Some 40 cases of dengue and 58 cases of Chikungunya were reported during the first four days of May, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said.
According to statistics published by the HPA, 660 dengue cases have been found as of May 4 since January this year.
The spread of dengue has been increasing with 146 cases in January, 116 cases in February, 119 cases in March and 239 cases in April.
Chikungunya has been spreading since April with 177 cases reported during the month. A total of 235 cases have been found together with 58 cases reported during the first four days of this month.
Symptoms of Chikungunya
- Fever to 39 degrees Celsius
- Severe pain in the head and body
- Pain in the joints
- Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
- Red pimples (rash) on the body
Newborns infected during delivery and older people with underlying medical conditions may become severely ill and face increased risk of death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The clinical management includes addressing fever and joint pain with antipyretics and optimal analgesics, drinking plenty of fluids and general rest. There is no specific antiviral drug treatment.
How to protect yourself from Chikungunya?
According to WHO, prevention of infection by avoiding mosquito bites is the best protection. Patients should avoid getting mosquito bites during the first week of illness to prevent further transmission to mosquitoes, who may in turn infect other people.
Things you can do to protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- Wear as much coverage as possible
- Use mosquito lotion
- Put mosquito nets in places such as windows
- Keep doors and windows closed in the morning and evening
