Don't let mozzies make you miserable: Chikungunya virus explained
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has confirmed that 10 travel-related cases of chikungunya virus have been diagnosed in South Africa this year.
The cases were identified through the NICD-National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) and Lancet Laboratories. All are linked to individuals who had recently travelled to regions with active outbreaks.
But what exactly is the chikungunya virus, and why is it of growing concern to South Africans?
"The disease is caused by a mosquito-borne virus and in South Africa is typically reported in returning travellers," said the NICD.
Transmissions primarily come from the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species of mosquitoes. These are the same that are known for spreading dengue and Zika viruses.
"Its transmission cycle is quite similar to that of dengue viruses, with mosquitoes facilitating human-to-human transmission in urban settings."
While the disease is rarely fatal, it can cause intense symptoms that disrupt daily life. In some cases, arthritis-like symptoms can persist for weeks or even become chronic. At present, there are no licensed vaccines for chikungunya available in the country.
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