DOH records 500 cases showing symptoms of chikingunya virus

DOH spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 500 cases of what it suspected to be the dengue-like disease called chikingunya.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Diamond Hotel, Dr. Eric Tayag, DOH spokesperson said Metro Manila, Ilocos region, Southern Luzon, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao and CARAGA have reported cases of symptoms associated with the mosquito-borne disease.

The disease has afflicted 83 people on the island-village in Rapu-Rapu town in Albay alone but Tayag said “we are still investigating” if the disease that struck the town was indeed chikingunya fever.

According to the DOH assistant secretary, the disease is a milder form of dengue fever. “It’s very rare that one gets hospitalized,” he added.

The DOH assistant secretary added that unlike dengue, which usually victimized children, adults (20 and up) would be most likely to contract chikingunya.

In a tweet, Tayag said: “Chikungunya is an African derivation of “that which bends up” to describe patients with acute but long-term arthritis in several joints.”

“The severe joint pains could last a lifetime,” Tayag said.

“You may have chikingunya if you cannot wake up in the morning or climb out of bed for six months,” he added.

According to the World health organization (WHO) 2008 factsheet, other symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.