Saint Lucia has recorded its first confirmed case of Chikungunya. Chikungunya is a mosquito borne disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same vector that transmits dengue fever. 

"Its a 63 year old male...we have this (situation) under control. It is because of our efforts with respect to strengthening surveillance that we are now able to detect much quicker not only Chikungunya, but Dengue, Leptospirosis and some of the diseases that present similar symptoms," said Nahum Jn. Baptiste, National Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations.

Persons infected with the virus usually present symptoms after about three to seven days following exposure. These symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. A distinguishing symptom of the Chikungunya virus is severe pain to the joints of the hands and feet which can be debilitating.

This virus has been on the increase in the French Caribbean from 2013.

Given the trends of the inter-island travel between Saint Lucia and these territories, the Ministry of Health assumed a proactive stance in anticipation of this eventuality. Active surveillance of the disease commenced from early 2014 and the preventative efforts focused on intensifying source reduction and treating breeding sites.

The public is asked to partner with the Ministry of Health in controlling the potential increase of this disease by eliminating viable sites for the breeding of mosquitoes.

The Ministry of Health is cautioning the public to store water in tightly sealed containers. Any discarded or unused containers around the home which could potentially contain water (tins, pails, buckets, old appliances, used tires) should be properly disposed or stored.

The confirmation of Saint Lucia's first case of Chikungunya has been made as the Ministry of Health commences activities for the observation of World Health Day 2014 which focuses on the control and reduction of vector borne diseases with the theme, “Small Bites. Big Threats.”

For further information please contact the Communications Unit of the Bureau of Health Education at 4685349.