The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – According to the Ministry of Health, Costa Rican housewives are the part of the population most affected by the chikungunya virus.
Health authorities have confirmed to date a total of 106 cases of this disease. Of these, 70 are indigenous and 36 imported. Of the confirmed cases, 70 were women and 36 men.
The Deputy Director of Health Surveillance, Roberto Castro Córdoba, indicated that the majority of imported cases come from Dominican Republic.
The cantons who report the greatest number of indigenous cases are Garabito (22), Puntarenas (16), Abangares (8) and Carrillo (8).
Castro explained that the data shows how the number of women with the virus indicates that they’re in proximity to the breeding sites of the mosquitoes which can be found around homes.
The age group most affected by this disease is between 20 and 60 years old. Infection for children under 10 years does not exceed one percent, according to health records.
“This suggests that children don’t get infected because they were in schools rather than on farms,” said Castro.
Authorities recommend taking preventative measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around homes to minimize the spread of the virus. (Amelia Rueda)
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica