By Alec Go
The Philippines has recorded 43 cases of chikungunya infection from January 1 to May 21 this year, higher by 169% compared with the 16 cases recorded for the same period in 2021.
Based on the data provided by the Department of Health (DOH), most chikungunya cases were from Region 7 with 29 cases or 67% and Region 11 with 8 cases or 19%.
Thirteen cases were recorded between April 24 and May 21 this year, including 10 in Region 7 or 77% of the cases, and one each in Regions 11, Calabarzon, and Metro Manila.
“There was no death reported among the chikungunya cases as of May 21, 2022,” the DOH said.
BASAHIN: Naitala ng Department of Health (DOH) ang 43 kaso ng chikungunya sa bansa simula Enero 1-Mayo 21, 2022, kung saan mas mataas ito ng 169% kumpara sa naitalang kaso noong Enero hanggang Mayo 2021.
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The health department said Region 7 has the most number of cases cumulatively and recently.
“Of its 29 cases reported since the start of the year, 26 (90%) cases were recorded in April. However, from May 1-21, 2022, there were only two (2) cases reported in the said region,” it stated.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the common symptoms of the virus infection which is transmitted through infected mosquito bite are fever and joint pain.
The other symptoms are headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. The DOH said symptoms appear four to seven days after an infected mosquito bite. There is still no vaccine for the virus.
Chikungunya outbreaks have been previously declared in Kiamba and Maitum in Sarangani, Villareal and Daram in Western Samar, Ma. Aurora in Aurora, Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte, Sta. Rita in Samar, Concepcion in Romblon, Santiago in Agusan del Norte, and Patnongon in Antique. – ag
