A recent report from the French Ministry of Health reveals that a mosquito-borne flu epidemic, known as chikungunya, is rampant on Réunion Island (a French territory). This disease is transmitted to humans by a specific type of mosquito.
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Children infected with chikungunya on Réunion (Photo: VNN) |
In just the past week, an additional 5,600 people have contracted the virus, bringing the total number of infections since the start of the epidemic to over 30,000, which accounts for nearly 5% of the island’s population.
Symptoms of the disease typically include loss of appetite, joint pain (commonly in the knees and fingers), high fever, difficulty breathing, fatigue, trouble concentrating, mental instability, and the appearance of red rashes on the skin. According to experts, there is currently no vaccine available to treat or prevent this disease worldwide.
Chikungunya, often abbreviated as “chik,” originated in East Africa and has been present on Réunion Island since May 2005. It has experienced a significant outbreak over the past 10 days.
As of January 26, the French Ministry of Health reported 28 severe cases, including some new instances of mother-to-child transmission.
