The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is warning of a new virus known as Chikungunya, 10 people have been infected in Saint Martin and could make its way to the USA. This is the first time that local transmission of chikungunya has been reported in the Americas. This virus causes debilitating illness, such as fever,headache,fatigue,nausea,vomiting,muscle pain,rash and joint pains. These symptons can last a few days to several weeks. There are no known vaccine or specific antiviral treatments available at this time.
Local transmission of chikungunya is now being reported in other countries in the Caribbean. As of February 5, 2014, the following Caribbean countries have reported cases of chikungunya:
- Saint Martin (French)
- Sint Maarten (Dutch)
- Martinique
- Guadeloupe
- Saint Barthelemy
- British Virgin Islands
- Dominica
- French Guiana
- Anguilla
- St. Kitts
