outbreak
3 March 2006
The Department of Health is cautiously monitoring developments around the
recent upsurge in reported cases of chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne viral
disease, in the southeast Indian Ocean island of La Reunion and neighbouring
countries.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) more than 10 000 cases of
chikungunya fever were reported in La Reunion and other neighbouring Indian
Ocean islands of Mayotte, Mauritius, and Seychelles between March 2005 and
February 2006. Aedes albopictus, which is a species of mosquitoes prevalent in
these islands, is suspected to be the vector responsible for spreading the
debilitating virus. This species is not endemic in South Africa.
In South Africa, chikungunya virus is transmitted by different varieties,
namely Aedes Diceromyia furcifer and Aedes Deceromyia cordellieri that are also
competent experimental transmitters of yellow fever and dengue fever.
Fortunately the indigenous Aedes Duceromyia mosquitoes are sparsely found in
the wilderness and isolated areas. Also, locally, natural transmission cycles
of these mosquitoes are confined to lower primates such as baboons and
monkeys.
In the absence of a vaccine or anti-viral treatment, the Department
maintains a very stringent vectoral surveillance and prevention programme to
minimise any risk of importation. We will continue with our preventative
protocols in responding not only to chikungunya but also other mosquito-borne
diseases such as malaria. These include indoor spraying in high-risk areas,
advocacy and public education as well as disinfections control measures
implemented at all ports of entry of products imported from the affected
areas.
The Department will also be circulating an alert to clinical facilities in
high-risk mosquito areas to ensure quick diagnosis and rapid notification of
suspected cases. We would also like to urge medical practitioners to be on the
alert and screen suspected patients with an appropriate travel history and to
notify the Department of any suspected cases.
The Department would also like to appeal to South African citizens planning
to visit any of the affected countries to take necessary precaution to reduce
the chances of exposure through mosquito bites. These include exercising
personal protective measures such as the use of mosquito repellants.
Chikungunya is characterised by fever, rash and arthritis.
Enquiries:
Solly Mabotha
Director: Media Liaison & Public Information
Tel: (012) 312 0609
Cell: 083 678 9860
Issued by: Department of Health
3 March 2006
