Chikungunya Virus

http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,120955

CDC Latest Update: 7/1:

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/chikungunya-saint-martin

A friend on STX is battling this now. She thinks she contracted it in Dominica.

She needs to report it to Health authorities.
Hope she's better soon.

She needs to report it to Health authorities.
Hope she's better soon.

If she's been diagnosed with it then it's already been reported.

SkysTheLimit did not state specifically that she was officially diagnosed with it.

Sky in what area of STX does she live?

It would be good to know because if mosquitoes bite her and then someone else next door, for example, your neighbor could catch it.

When dengue has been prevalent in the past, it has been reported which areas were the hotspots. It's helpful to know in order to be extra careful.

Of course, that mosquito that bites your friend could hitch a ride in someone's vehicle and end up in another area entirely!

Still I like to know the areas where the outbreaks are.

curious as well. I have had dengue twice and do not relish the idea of getting it or this other

hope your friend is on the mend

curious as well. I have had dengue twice and do not relish the idea of getting it or this other

hope your friend is on the mend

there are 6 strains of Dengue... once you get one strain you'll never get it again... so 4 more to go and you're done!

SkysTheLimit did not state specifically that she was officially diagnosed with it.

It seems logical that if he says she's battling it then she's been diagnosed with it - how else would she know she had it as opposed to dengue or some other unrelated issue? As was pointed out in the linked thread there have been three confirmed cases in the USVI so far - one contracted locally and two contracted elsewhere, while blood samples from two other suspected cases are being tested.

Yes we would assume she was officially diagnosed with it, but we don't know for sure because we have not been told that fact, specifically.

In the past I've heard people here say they "have dengue" but when I asked them if they got tested they said they had not.

Just stating that we don't know for sure what the case is, that's all.

You can get Dengue over again according to the CDC unlike this new Chikungunya Virus which is also spread by Mosquitos and once bitten then immune if you have survived.

I've had dengue twice. Dengue is also known as "break bone fever' because of the soreness to your muscles. I also got a rash on my palms and on soles of my feet towards the end in both cases. Not to mention total fatigue. There's no telling which mosquitoes have it (tho only the females bite) so best to take precautionary measures around your property and in your home from both viruses.

Many years ago, my best girlfriend went to the emergency room to see what was wrong with her. The stateside Dr. in the ER diagnosed her with Scarlet Fever and had her freaking out when she called me. I had to laugh and tell her: "No, You've got Dengue and you'll live!"

Shoot, I just got bitten sitting here typing this. Where's my Deet! Guess one must pick lessor of evils, using chemical bug repellents or getting bitten. Think I'll start planting Citronella and get some citronella oil to dip cotton balls in to place around inside of house in a bowl. Good Luck y'all!

North side STX

Not sure if it has been reported or just suspected to be this virus.

hmm, i was told 4 strains and once you get that particular strain, you never get that one again.

http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/index.html

http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/pdfs/CHIKV_DengueEndemic.pdf

North side STX

Not sure if it has been reported or just suspected to be this virus.

Well, probably best not to spread it around that she has it unless or until it's confirmed, given the rapid transmission and fact expansion of the coconut telegraph. 😀

thanks for the info, SkystheLimit!

Please let us know if your friend tests positive, and, i really do hope she gets well soon!

thanks for the links alana.

North side STX

Not sure if it has been reported or just suspected to be this virus.

Well, probably best not to spread it around that she has it unless or until it's confirmed, given the rapid transmission and fact expansion of the coconut telegraph. 😀

AGREED. Typical island hyperbole. Prob just the flu. not to diminish your friends suffering. Nevis just was on the news with their first case. Oh boy this might get pretty bad. I still think that airports should also scan for body temperature when you go through the hands up scanner ting and if you're running a fever you shouldn't be allowed on the flight. Disgusting humans lol.

Maybe flu or just hyperbole..... Or Dengue Fever......Moral of the story, Don't let the skeeters get you!!!!

To quote:
"Pretty sure I have chikunguya I have the rash, insomnia, joint pain, fever, swollen face, no fun. Might be down for the count for a week or two wish me luck..."

3 days later:
"I look like something out of a horror movie. Don't even want to post pictures because it is so terrible. I was hoping today would be better but it is worse. Hoping for this to go away soon. The rash looks like it has a rash, I am swollen and have muscle and joint pain. At this point I can not walk or hold anything with my hands. Can't imagine getting out of bed. I look contorted. Use bug spray and maybe just stay in a plastic bubble this summer"

If you use mosquito repellent you do t need to worry , or eat lots of garlic .

Maybe flu or just hyperbole..... Or Dengue Fever......Moral of the story, Don't let the skeeters get you!!!!

To quote:
"Pretty sure I have chikunguya I have the rash, insomnia, joint pain, fever, swollen face, no fun. Might be down for the count for a week or two wish me luck..."

3 days later:
"I look like something out of a horror movie. Don't even want to post pictures because it is so terrible. I was hoping today would be better but it is worse. Hoping for this to go away soon. The rash looks like it has a rash, I am swollen and have muscle and joint pain. At this point I can not walk or hold anything with my hands. Can't imagine getting out of bed. I look contorted. Use bug spray and maybe just stay in a plastic bubble this summer"

Why on earth is she self-diagnosing and not seeking proper medical attention?

Maybe flu or just hyperbole..... Or Dengue Fever......Moral of the story, Don't let the skeeters get you!!!!

To quote:
"Pretty sure I have chikunguya I have the rash, insomnia, joint pain, fever, swollen face, no fun. Might be down for the count for a week or two wish me luck..."

3 days later:
"I look like something out of a horror movie. Don't even want to post pictures because it is so terrible. I was hoping today would be better but it is worse. Hoping for this to go away soon. The rash looks like it has a rash, I am swollen and have muscle and joint pain. At this point I can not walk or hold anything with my hands. Can't imagine getting out of bed. I look contorted. Use bug spray and maybe just stay in a plastic bubble this summer"

Why on earth is she self-diagnosing and not seeking proper medical attention?

Hubby is in the medical field. She's in good hands.

Update,
Still suffering. Blood sample sent in. 2 weeks before they get results. That seems like a long time for results!!!!!!!

Doc says can't do anything for it...

I am always baffled at how quickly some people are able to respond with rude or short opinions on this board. What someone should do when they are sick is up to them and it would be much better if people had positive things to say.

I have been extremely sick for the last seven days with what is believed to be Chickungunya which I obtained either from Dominica or Puerto Rico. Yes I did have a blood sample taken and yes it will take 2 weeks to find out. For those who insist that someone has to get a blood sample or has to go to the doctor when they are violently ill, it may be wise to consider that they might not be able to move and are not able to go to the doctor before they express their opinion. I was simply trying to stay alive the first 6 days of the virus and am finally able to think straight. I still cannot walk and still have sever joint and muscle pain.

The symptoms are somewhat similar to Dengue but the doctors that I have consulted with believe it is Chickungunya. The rash covered my entire body (and it was an extreme rash), I had a high fever the entire time, nausea for two days, joint pain, muscle pain, and swelling. I have been in bed for seven days wrapped in a blanket because I had the chills. So, I did try to not get bitten by a mosquito while I was shaking violently with the chills. I would not wish this disease on anyone. Thankfully my husband is amazing and was able to take care of me from cooking for me, giving me medicine, bathing me, and carrying me around.

If you begin to have these symptoms and you know that there is nothing a doctor can do for you, would you rush up to the doctor, pay a large bill, and put yourself through agony for nothing? When you are in the same situation, you can decide. For everyone that offered sympathy and concern during this horrible time for me, thank you so very much. Every comment and encouragement helped me get through this and I truly appreciate it.

Theresa