The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – The Ministry of Health in Costa Rica is concerned about the spread of the chikungunya virus found in the Dominican Republic, which currently affects 20 of the 23 provinces. There are also reports of people affected in Haiti.
Dr. Yayo Vicente, Bureau of Health Surveillance Authority, said the Ministry is closely following the development of this virus, which is transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, the same that transmits dengue.
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The concern is two reasons: first, because this virus is much more violent than dengue. Vicente explained that the chikungunya attacks the central nervous system significantly. The second, he said, because there are many Costa Ricans who visit this popular Caribbean tourist destination.
The third and most concerning problem to national health authorities is that this virus has not been diagnosed in mainland Central America. And transmission to the countries is not very difficult.
Hence Vicente urged people to avoid mosquito breeding sites of Aedes aegypti , which last year affected over 50,000 people, more than 27,000 cases in 2012.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica
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