Latest news with #epidemic
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
I've been spiked multiple times – here's how you can beat sickos, says Ashley James as druggings rise with KIDS targeted
NEARLY seven million unsuspecting Brits have had drugs slipped into their drink as 'spiking' hits epidemic levels. Children as young as 11 have even been targeted and holidaymakers heading to Europe are being warned to stay alert to the dangers. 5 5 5 This Morning presenter Ashley James fears she has had mystery narcotics sneaked into her drinks 'multiple times' when out socialising. Today, as a Sun on Sunday probe reveals spiking is reaching new heights, the 38-year-old star said: 'I have suspected that I've been spiked multiple times during my university days and also when I've been out in London at various times. 'Having spent a lot of time in nightlife spaces — especially working as a DJ — I've sadly seen just how common spiking still is. "Several of my close friends have had their drinks spiked, both in the UK and abroad, and there's lots of cases where boys are spiked for pranks. Terrifying trend 'It seems like everyone, including myself, has either been spiked or knows someone who has. "I want to raise awareness, especially as we're going into festival season and summer and people are out in beer gardens and so on.' Victims have been spiked before being sexually assaulted or robbed, and recent cases have shown that some people are also drugging others for a 'joke'. Latest figures from the National Police Chiefs' Council show there were 6,732 recorded spiking cases in the 12 months to April 2023, including 957 reports of needle spiking, which involves victims being injected with drugs. Freedom of Information requests also show constabularies across the country are dealing with more cases than ever. Children as young as 11 are even being targeted with drugs including ketamine, Rohypnol, MDMA and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Greater Manchester Police recorded 463 spiking incidents last year, compared to 128 in 2019. Some 78 victims were aged 16 to 18, and 14 were between 11 and 15 years old. Meanwhile, West Midlands Police logged 183 suspected incidents against women last year, compared to 25 in 2020. There were 105 reported involving male victims. And in West Yorks, cops had reports of 444 drink spiking incidents last year, compared to 143 in 2019. Ashley is raising awareness alongside campaign group CounterSpike. They have created a SpikeStixx kit, which allows people to test their drinks for a range of drugs. The TV host says she would never now 'accept drinks from strangers' or leave her glass unattended. Some 6.6million people — around one in ten of the population — are believed to have been spiked at some point, according to CounterSpike research. 5 Yet 90 per cent of cases go unreported, according to Drinkaware and Anglia Ruskin University. Drink spiking is the most common method, but drugs have also been added to vapes and food. And a terrifying new trend called needle spiking has emerged in recent years. More than 140 people reported being jabbed at France's Fete de La Musique festival last month. Police, who made a number of arrests, did not say at the time if it was needle-spiking. Some 80 per cent of spikings take place in public spaces, including bars, clubs and festivals. Mum-of-one Cara Sayer was at a singles night at a bar in Esher, Surrey, in 2021 when she was spiked. The 53-year-old, who runs her own company, SnoozeShade, said: 'I went with a girlfriend. I had to be up early the next day so didn't drink excessively. 'My last coherent memory was my friend leaving at 9.45pm. After that, I vaguely remember wobbling around the dance floor. Spiking is a big concern and it's driven by accessibility to cheap drugs, which is why we are seeing cases involving children. Tory MP Joe Robertson 'Not dancing, but stumbling and trying to stay on my feet. I was found unconscious in the toilet surrounded by my own sick. 'An ambulance was called and they were the first to mention spiking. They said my eyes looked dilated and a bit funny. But when I called the police, they made me feel like it was my fault. 'It took away any element of control and that was terrifying.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced in November that tampering with someone's drink is set to become a specific crime. It is currently prosecuted under seven different laws. To bring charges, cops must have evidence of the substance, a suspect, and CCTV footage of them spiking the victim or a credible eyewitness. Police dealt with in 2023, only six per cent ended in an arrest. But there have been some successful prosecutions. In May, Paige Myer, from Northumberland, received a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, after she was convicted at Newcastle crown court of 'administering a poison'. She was in a pub when she spiked a woman with amyl nitrite, known as poppers, for a 'joke'. 'Took away control' And in January, Vikas Nath, 61 — a director of the Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant Benares — was charged with administering a substance with intent of overpowering a woman for sexual activity. He denies the claim and is due to stand trial next year. Tory MP Joe Robertson said: 'Spiking is a big concern and it's driven by accessibility to cheap drugs, which is why we are seeing cases involving children. 'I'm worried it's on the rise and it's really hard to prosecute.' The Foreign Office warned Brits to be vigilant abroad after spikings in hotspots including Benidorm, Magaluf and Malta. Colin Mackie, who founded charity Spike Aware after his son Greg, 18, died from a suspected spiking in 2017, said: 'Recently, we were contacted by an 82-year-old man who was spiked and robbed on holiday in Spain. He was walking down the strip when two girls said, 'Come to our pub for our complimentary drink and to watch the football'. 'One brought him a beer. The next thing he knows he's on the floor. "He was taken to hospital and it turned out he'd been spiked and, three days later, he noticed one of his credit cards had gone missing. 'When he went to check, £2,500 had been taken out of his account.' Colin also revealed he had been contacted by the parents of an 11-year-old from Liverpool whose life changed after he was spiked. He said: 'His so-called friends put ketamine in his Lucozade, for fun, to make him look silly. 'He was sick and it affected him mentally. He became aggressive and resentful and he didn't want to go to school any more.'
The Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
The 6 most common types of back pain and how to ‘cure' each one – plus when it's critical you see a doctor NOW
WE'RE living through a back pain epidemic. It affects 49million people in the UK and 619million globally, and it can wreak havoc on our everyday lives. 10 From sharp stabs to dull aches and even numbness, it can be crippling for some. 'This pain can be debilitating, affecting general day to day movement, stopping people from being able to work and even sleep,' physiotherapist and musculoskeletal specialist Clara Kervyn tells Sun Health. Back pain accounts for more than 12million days off work every year, and it costs the NHS nearly £5billion annually. But not all back pain is the same, and some types require very different treatment to others. So what's the reason for yours? From slouching at your desk to arthritis, experts share the potential causes - as well as treatments to help you feel more comfortable… 1. Slipped disc A herniated disc, known to most of us as a slipped disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like tissue found between the vertebrae in your spine pushes outwards. There are about five to 20 cases per 1,000 adults. 'It occurs most often in the lumbar spine (lower back) but can affect the cervical spine (neck) and in rare instances, the thoracic spine (central back),' says Mr Gordan Grahovac, consultant neurosurgeon at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital. The most common causes include age-related degeneration, where the disc dries out and weakens, improper lifting technique with heavy weights, sudden trauma or injury and/or a sedentary lifestyle. Genetics can also play a role. A sharp, burning or shooting pain may be felt down one leg, shoulder, arm, hand or around the chest or abdomen, depending on where the herniated disc is down your spine. Mr Grahovac says that most of the time, herniated discs do not require surgery and improve over weeks to months. But do visit your GP, who can advise you on the next steps. If non surgical treatments - such as stretching, core strengthening and medication like ibuprofen - don't work within six to 12 weeks, surgery may be an option. 10 'The most common is a microdiscectomy,' says Mr Grahovac. 'This involves the removal of the herniated portion through a small incision on the back.' Full recovery from surgery can take up to 12 weeks. Mr Grahovac says: 'Seek immediate help and call 999 if you experience a loss of bladder or bowel control, leg weakness which gets worse and/or a severe pain that's not responding to treatment.' 2. Arthritis More than 10million people in the UK have arthritis. Spinal arthritis is a degenerative disease affecting the facet joints, found on the back of each vertebrae in the spine, and the intervertebral discs. 'It's most common in the mobile spine, including the lower back and neck,' says Mr Grahovac. 'Early signs can include mild back or neck stiffness, especially in the morning; intermittent discomfort that worsens with activity; a 'grinding' or popping sensation when you move; and fatigue.' Later stage symptoms might include nerve impingement, which can cause numbness, tingling or weakness, and/or a decreased range of motion of your lumbar spine or neck. Your GP will be able to diagnose spinal arthritis by assessing your range of motion, any family history, as well as any tenderness over the affected area. Both pulled and torn muscles may lead to bruising, swelling and muscle spasms. You may feel a 'pop' or a tear Elyn MarwickPersonal trainer 'Your doctor may even refer you to a musculoskeletal physiotherapist who can organise further investigations,' Mr Grahovac says. 'An X-ray could point out any narrowing between joints, while an MRI scan can pick up any nerve involvement or degeneration of spinal discs.' There's no cure for arthritis, however symptoms can be managed. 'Losing weight can reduce stress on the joints,' Mr Grahovac says. 'Try regular low-impact exercise such as swimming, walking and yoga, as well as weight-bearing exercise to increase muscle strength. 'When you experience a flare up, heat or ice therapy can help to ease stiffness and pain, and ibuprofen and naproxen can help to reduce pain and inflammation. 'Surgery is rare and typically reserved for severe, disabling cases with nerve root or cord compression.' 3. Sciatica Sciatica is not actually a condition itself. Instead, it's a symptom of the sciatic nerve - the largest nerve in your body - being irritated or compressed. 'It typically results from issues in the lower spine,' says Mr Grahovac. 'The most common cause is a herniated disc. 'Sciatic pain is a sharp, burning, shooting, or electric-like pain. 'It starts in the lower back or bum and radiates down one leg. It can go as far down as your foot. 'It can also be accompanied by numbness, a pins-and-needles-like tingling or muscle weakness in the leg or foot, and it might become worse when you're sitting, coughing or sneezing.' Between 13 and 40 per cent of people experience sciatica at some point in their life. There are a few temporary self-help treatments you can try. 'For the first 24 to 48 hours, try cold packs and then turn to heat therapy,' says Mr Grahovac. 'Ibuprofen and naproxen can help, as can one to two days of rest - but avoid prolonged bed rest. 'Short, frequent walks are better than being sedentary.' What the location of your back pain really means BACK pain is a common affliction that affects millions of Brits. Aches and pains might feel like an everyday part of life, but where they occur might indicate a more serious problem that requires attention. The location of your back pain could indicate you are suffering anything from organ problems to pinched nerves. Abbas Kanani, pharmacist at Online Pharmacy Chemist Click, said there are specific ways to treat each type of back pain, and some may need urgent attention. He said: 'You should also ask for an urgent GP appointment if your back pain is accompanied with a high temperature or if you've lost weight without trying to. 'You should also ask for one if there's a lump or swelling in your back or your back has changed shape. 'If the pain does not improve after resting or is worse at night the pain is made worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing, you should also contact them. 'Ask for an urgent appointment if the pain is coming from the top of your back — between your shoulders — rather than your lower back.' Sides - possible causes include kidney problems, pancreatitis, bowel inflammation, womb contraction Spine - possible causes include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, arthritis Lower back - possible causes include muscle injury, spasms, herniated discs Upper back - possible causes include pinched nerves Neck - possible causes include misalignment, low flexibility Try gently stretching the hamstrings and piriformis - a small muscle near your hip joint. A seated forward fold can help your hamstrings. Sit on the ground with your legs straight and reach for your toes. For your piriformis, try a figure-four stretch. Lie down and cross one ankle over the opposite knee before pulling both legs in towards your chest. A physio, either private or referred by your NHS GP, can guide you through other exercises that help to relieve pressure on your sciatic nerve. Core strengthening exercises also help to stabilise the spine. If after four to six weeks there's no improvement, visit your GP. You may be eligible for an epidural steroid injection. 'This is usually effective for rapid relief as it targets inflammation at the nerve root,' Mr Grahovac says. Permanent solutions to your sciatica will depend on the underlying cause; your GP can advise you. 'Surgery has high success rates for the right candidates, especially if there's leg weakness or a disabling pain,' says Mr Grahovac. 4. Muscle strains Muscle strains occur when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. 'They commonly happen in everyday life, when bending over, twisting during household chores or picking up bags of shopping,' says personal trainer Elyn Marwick. Overtraining without resting enough can also cause a strain. So can undertraining. 'Muscles that are inflexible or without strength due to lack of use can lead to strained muscles on ordinary use like walking,' adds Elyn. 'Both pulled and torn muscles may lead to bruising, swelling and muscle spasms. 'You may also feel a 'pop' or a tear during the injury and tenderness. Even at rest the muscle may feel painful.' Elyn recommends the PRICE technique - protect, rest, ice, compress, elevate, which can help relieve pain and inflammation during the first days of recovery. You can also try a product like Deep Freeze Cold Gel (£4.25, Boots). 'It works by reducing blood flow to a strained muscle, significantly reducing inflammation and swelling,' says Elyn. As the muscle starts to feel better, it's important to move it. 'A physiotherapist can offer help and advice. You can either self-refer or pay to see one privately,' says Clara. 'Consult your GP if the pain feels severe, lasts for more than a few days, worsens with time or if you felt a pop at the time of the injury.' Call 111 if you also have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, or if you develop numbness, tingling, sudden weakness or difficulty controlling certain muscles. 5. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weaker and more brittle, can lead to vertebral compression fractures, particularly in the spine, which may result in sudden or persistent back pain. 'These fractures can occur from minor falls, lifting or even coughing or sneezing,' says Clara. Osteoporosis, the most common type of arthritis affecting an estimated 8.5million people, often progresses silently and may go undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. 'Bone density testing is key for early detection, especially if you're at higher risk, such as postmenopausal women or those with a family history of the condition,' says Clara. Sitting slouched at a desk or looking down at a screen for extended periods may lead to tension in the upper and lower back, neck and shoulders Clara KervynPhysiotherapist Although osteoporosis can't be fully reversed, you can slow its progression, reducing the risk of fractures. Clara recommends increasing your intake of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin C and trace minerals such as copper, zinc and manganese, which can all support bone health. Try Holland & Barrett ABC to Z Multivitamins & Minerals tablets (£4.75), which contain all of these nutrients. Resistance-based exercises are also one of the best things you can do to help improve bone density. General movement, such as walking, will help too. Clara also suggests reducing alcohol and quitting smoking. 6. Poor posture Bad posture can place a lot of strain on muscles and soft tissues. 'Sitting slouched at a desk or looking down at a screen for extended periods may lead to tension in the upper and lower back, neck and shoulders,' says Clara. 'Leaning on one leg or having rounded shoulders can cause imbalances over time that contribute to discomfort. 'When sitting, use a chair with good back support to maintain the natural curve of your lower back. 'Sit upright and avoid slouching or leaning to one side. 'Keep feet flat on the floor and elbows at a 90-degree angle with your forearms parallel to the floor.' Get up and move around every hour and do some simple stretches to avoid stiffness and keep joints mobile. Try Deep Heat Muscle Massage Roll-on Lotion (£5.85, Tesco) which helps to ease tight muscles. Clara adds: 'When standing, stand tall with shoulders back. 'Avoid slouching; instead, engage your core, gently drawing in your lower abdomen. 'Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and weight balanced on the balls of your feet, with knees slightly bent.' I was left on the brink of total paralysis after doctors dismissed by back pain as 'anxiety' By Katrina Turrill, Health News Editor A DAD-of-three was left fearing he'd never walk again after doctors repeatedly dismissed his excruciating back pain as anxiety. Mark Doe, 36, from Swindon, endured months of agony, pins and needles, and leg weakness, initially attributed to a small disc bulge. Despite his worsening symptoms, including needing a walking aid, a neurologist told him his issues were "all my anxiety" and upped his mental health medication without further scans. Mark felt "really let down and lost," believing he "just had to put up with the symptoms." The terrifying truth emerged three months later when a "pop" in his back left him unable to move, with radiating pain and a loss of bladder function. He recalled: "I couldn't move with the immense pain. I would scream out every time I moved." At the hospital, doctors suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome, a condition where nerves at the base of the spinal cord are compressed, which can lead to paralysis. An emergency MRI revealed the small bulge had "grown much bigger and was crushing my nerves." Mark was rushed into nearly five hours of surgery. His recovery has been "very difficult". He was bed-bound for six weeks and unable to hold his five-month-old daughter. He still suffers pain and may need further surgery, but he emphasises: "If the doctor I had for the second appointment had sent me for a scan, maybe this could have been prevented or not been so bad." Mark added: "Don't give up, keep on at doctors, don't do it alone."
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts warn of another global epidemic as rare virus spreads to new areas
The World Health Organization has issued an urgent call for action as cases of chikungunya virus explode across the globe. The chikungunya virus is spread primarily by the Aedes mosquito species and nearly half a million people became infected between 2004 and 2005 - leading to a worldwide epidemic. Chikungunya infections are most common in Asia, Africa and South America though more recently cases have also emerged across Europe and the US. The virus can cause symptoms like fever, joint pain and life-threatening complications related to the heart and brain. The infection does not spread from person to person through bodily contact or saliva and can only be transmitted through a bite from an infected mosquito. Since there is no specific medical treatment for the chikungunya infections, experts are asking people to regularly use insect repellents and wear long-sleeve clothing to prevent mosquito bites this summer Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the who said of the new cases: 'We are seeing history repeating itself,' referencing the 2004-2005 epidemic. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the Indian Ocean islands of La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, there have been about 220,000 Chikungunya virus cases and 80 related deaths in 14 countries since the beginning of 2025. An estimated one-third of La Reunion's population - nearly 300,000 people - have already been infected, according to Rojas Alvarez. During the last epidemic, about 266,000 people were infected out of which 203 died on La Reunion. The virus has also spread to Madagascar, Somalia, Kenya and India and is making its way to Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez said. Out of the 800 cases, 12 of the infected people had been bitten by local mosquitoes without having travelled to high-risk areas in several southern French regions. The chikungunya outbreak has occurred far earlier in the year than is typical, and this could indicate the mosquitoes that carry chikungunya are becoming increasingly at home in France thanks to climate change, officials warned. Two cases have also been reported in Italy this week and both people were infected within the country rather than abroad, according to the Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro. In June of this year, Australian vacationers were issued a warning AS The Cook Islands, a nation in the South Pacific, declared the most recent outbreak of the disease after 19 cases were recorded. Case counts have also been increasing in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji and Kiribati. As of July 16, two dozen cases of chikungunya infections in the US that had been contracted while traveling to high-risk areas have been reported by the CDC. While it remains unclear where patients contracted the virus, the federal agency has issued an elevated risk of exposure notice for Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand. Approximately 200 cases of the virus were reported in 2024 in the US. According to the CDC, chikungunya was rarely identified in American travelers before 2006. However between 2006– and 2013, nearly 30 people tested positive for the infection every year in the US. All were travelers visiting or returning to the US from affected areas in Asia, Africa, or the Indian Ocean. In 2014, 2,799 cases, out of which 12 were locally-acquired, were reported in various US states including Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands - marking the year as the highest ever. Though not fatal, chikungunya can cause a range of effects, which are primarily marked by a sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain, while other common symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rashes. While the acute phase of the illness usually resolves within a week or two, the joint pain can persist for weeks, months or even years in some individuals. However, in some cases, infections can progress to severe dengue, which can cause potentially life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding and organ damage, and death. In extreme cases, eye, heart and neurological complications have also been reported in people suffering from a chikungunya infection. Newborns, adults aged 65 and older and people with certain health conditions are also at the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure due to an infection. While the virus cannot be transmitted directly from person to person, people can become infected with chikungunya when mosquitoes feed on another infected person and then bite them. If a pregnant woman is infected around the time of delivery, the baby can also be infected at birth, which often results in severe disease in the baby. While there is no medication to treat a chikungunya infection, its symptoms can be managed by taking acetaminophen for pain and drinking lots of fluids. In late 2023, the FDA also approved a vaccine for chikungunya for people over the age of 18 who are at increased risk of exposure to the virus called IXCHIQ.
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Looking Back to the Future: Gilead's Long-Standing Commitment To Help End the HIV Epidemic
In June 1981, news of a mysterious disease first began making headlines out of San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. People who were impacted developed unusual infections and grew sick as their immune systems failed. Those early days of what we now know as the HIV epidemic were marked by great fear and loss. By the time the first medicine was introduced in the United States in 1987, more than 5,000 people had died and the number of people impacted continued to balloon. In the decades since then, Gilead has been committed to relentless innovation to treat and prevent HIV – and its scientific advances have helped reshape the course of the epidemic: The company created the first single-tablet daily HIV treatment in 2006. Prior to this innovation, the first therapies to treat HIV required people to often take more than 20 pills a day and deal with potentially numerous side effects. Six years later, in 2012, Gilead again brought another tool to fight the epidemic when its first HIV prevention medicine was approved. Still a host of social factors, including stigma and access, have continued to contribute to the human toll and economic impact that HIV has had around the world. In the U.S. alone, 100 people die from HIV-related illnesses and 700 people are newly diagnosed each week. Thus, Gilead remains steadfastly committed to helping end the epidemic. Gilead is at the forefront of pioneering innovations in HIV, providing prevention and treatment options that help meet unmet needs. The company closed out 2024 earning the Breakthrough of the Year honor by Science magazine for one of its innovations in HIV. For Gilead, this new chapter of innovation in HIV is driven by two primary themes: putting people first and long-acting prevention options. Putting people first means, in part, partnering with communities early in the clinical development process. Researchers worked with the community in the design of its groundbreaking PURPOSE HIV prevention program. For example, researchers worked with the community in the design of its groundbreaking PURPOSE HIV prevention program, which is considered to be the most comprehensive and diverse of any HIV prevention program conducted. 'To make substantial progress, we must be intentional about both the scientific and community-based factors that help shape the epidemic,' says Moupali Das, Vice President, Clinical Development, HIV Prevention & Pediatrics. 'It's critical to focus on groups who are disproportionately affected by HIV and who most need new options for prevention.' Gilead also goes beyond investing in world-class science and putting people at the center of the drug development process. It also works with community organizations and global partners to reduce barriers to care and help enable access to its medicines. 'To help stop HIV, we need to help enable access to our medicines to everyone who could benefit, no matter who or where they are,' says Janet Dorling, Senior Vice President, Intercontinental Region, and Gilead Patient Solutions (GPS). Staying true to the company's heritage of pioneering access programs, Gilead is committed to supplying its medicines where the need is greatest. Ultimately, it will take a combination of bold, scientific innovation coupled with partnerships to help end the epidemic that has taken the lives of more than 42 million people since the 80s. 'We have a responsibility to help end one of the greatest public health challenges of our time,' says Daniel O'Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 'The opportunity to end the HIV epidemic has never been greater.' Originally published by Gilead Sciences Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Gilead Sciences
Free Malaysia Today
7 days ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
WHO raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus
The mosquito-borne chikungunya virus can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability. (Pixabay pic) GENEVA : The World Health Organisation issued an urgent call for action on Tuesday to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, told reporters in Geneva. 'We are seeing history repeating itself,' she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of La Reunion's population has already been infected, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India. Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez said. Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the 'tiger mosquito' which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing.
