The general public is being advised to take preventative measures against the chikungunya virus which is spread by mosquitoes vector.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services advises people to focus on efforts on reducing the risks of the virus circulation in Fiji following laboratory confirmations of an imported case last week.

According to the Ministry, the Chikungunya virus disease evolved and has progressively circulated among neighbouring Pacific Island countries since 2014.

The Ministry has been monitoring the Chikungunya situation in the region very closely in collaboration with WHO (World Health Organisation) and SPC (Secretariat of the Pacific Community).

The Ministry is also spearheading chikungunya mitigation activities countrywide in efforts to reduce the risks of establishing the disease in Fiji.

Chikungunya virus disease is caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV).  The dengue and chikungunya viruses are spread by the same mosquito vector.

CHIKV is transmitted when a mosquito bites an infected individual and then discharges the virus in the bloodstream of a uninfected individual during its next blood feed.

The symptoms of chikungunya virus disease, begins three to seven days after being bitten by infected mosquitoes and, includes high fever, joint pains with swelling and stiffness, headache, muscles pains, fatigue and rash on the trunk and limbs.

Most will recover within a week, although joint pains may persist for months or years in some cases.

Although the disease is rarely fatal, the socioeconomic burden that comes with massive numbers missing work and school as a result of the disease is immense, as experienced in other Pacific Island countries that are currently dealing with the epidemic.

Prevention of CHIKV infection basically involves reducing the mosquito density to levels that will prevent disease transmission, and also protecting oneself from mosquito bites.

To reduce the mosquito density levels in the community, the Ministry encourages all individuals, government sectors and corporate entities in Fiji to work cohesively with the Ministry of Health in destroying mosquito breeding grounds via frequent organised cleanup campaigns.

To prevent mosquito bites, the use of mosquito repellents, mosquito nets and mosquito screens in windows and doors is recommended.

With the confirmation of an imported case, the ministry advises members of the public to be more vigilant of the disease and its manifestations and to present to the nearest health facility should they experience symptoms.

The ministry will scale-up other components of its national mosquito vector control programme and its disease surveillance activities in concerted efforts to prevent establishment and internal circulation of CHIKV in Fiji.

For further information on CHIKV in Fiji contact Dr Eric Rafai and Dr Mike Kama on email address: eric.rafai@govnet.gov.fj and/or mnkama02@gmail.com, respectively.

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