The Chikungunya Virus and How to Protect Yourself

Many have heard about the new mosquito-borne illness, the Chikungunya Virus, which causes high fever, painful swelling of joints, headaches and rashes. While the virus is common in Africa, South Asia and the Caribbean, a number of cases have recently been reported in the U.S.

To make matters worse, there aren't any vaccines to prevent the disease. But there are ways to protect yourself. Follow these tips from the Center for Disease Control to help protect you and your loved ones from the virus:

• The mosquitoes that spread the chikungunya virus bite mostly during the day.
• Empty any standing water from containers like flowerpots or buckets outside of your home, as these can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Use air conditioning or door/window screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• If you cannot protect yourself from mosquitos in your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when weather permits.
• Use insect repellents:
  • Try to use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-3, 8-diol products, as these provide better protection.
  • Apply sunscreen before applying repellent.
  • Don't spray repellent under the skin of your clothing.

If you contract Chikungunya, it is important to avoid mosquito bites during this time to prevent further spread of the illness. And while there isn't any medicine to treat Chikungunya, there are ways to alleviate symptoms. The CDC suggests:

• Getting plenty of rest,
• Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration,
• And taking medicine to relieve fever and pain, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol.