The mosquito-borne virus chikungunya, which took the Caribbean by storm in recent months, is now sweeping the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said about 400 cases have been reported in non-Caribbean areas of the United State, ABC News reported. Only two of these cases were contracted within the U.S.
"With the recent outbreaks in the Caribbean and the Pacific, the number of chikungunya cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States from affected areas will continue to increase," the CDC said, ABC reported.
Between 2006 and 2013 there has been an average of 28 people per year infected with the virus in the U.S. All have been travelers or visitors. On July 17 the first locally-acquired case of the virus was reported in Florida.
The illness can be spread by both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos. Both species have been spotted in the southeastern and southwestern U.S. People who contract the virus typically experience fever and joint pain. Other symptoms can include "muscle aches, headaches, joint swelling or rash," the CDC reported. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for the condition.
"Chikungunya has been on the U.S. public health radar for some time. CDC has been working with the Pan American Health Organization since 2006, preparing for its introduction. We are working with international public health partners and with state health departments to alert health care providers and the public about this disease, equip state health laboratories to test for it and to detect cases to help prevent further spread," Lyle R. Petersen, MD, MPH - Director, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, NCEZID, said in a CDC statement.
The CDC said the best ways to protect oneself against chikungunya is to use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, use screens on windows, and reduce standing water that is breeding grounds for mosquitos.
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