Chikungunya Virus

Sounds way worse than any dengue fever I've ever had.
Of course, I never went to a doctor to confirm but it was self evident.
Hope you get better soon and glad you have such a helpful hubby to have gotten you thru the worst of it, hopefully.
Thanks for update on symptoms. Good luck and feel better soon.

Yes, I hope you get better soon! Your ordeal sounds horrible and you are so lucky to have your husband to take care of you.

I wonder if the CDC is offering free tests? This article alludes to the possibility of free testing:
DN article chikungunya

Screw them all. I know your husband. He was my nurse. You were in good hands. I hope you start to feel better soon.

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

BECAUSE IT EFFECTS EVERYONE ELSE and YOU LIVE ON AN ISLAND!
Self diagnosing something that is currently spreading all over the globe is DANGEROUS. Don't you know that's how epidemics begin? Good grief! How do you know that its not something more serious? You know that Malaria is also prevalent in the DR right and that has a pretty nasty fatataily rate? We don't know where in the DR you were, so... No one wishes ill will on you at all whatsoever, we just would like to PREVENT the spread of it on these tiny islands. Its IS possible to prevent the spread of it IF is actually known what it is an the sick person takes precautions. Hopefully your husband is sleeping separate and under a bed net.

I am from a family of two surgeons and a doctor. If you are "violently" Ill (your words) you NEED TO GO TO THE DOCTOR. How do you know that it isn't life threatening? If anything people asking you to go to the Dr. should be taken as a compliment - some people take advice only after its too late. You mention you weren't even able to go to the doctor because you were so sick? Don't you think you should be in an ambulance then? Wow.

Don't believe me? STRAIGHT From the CDC.
If you feel sick and think you may have chikungunya:
Talk to your doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever.
Tell them about your travel.
For more information about medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care Abroad and a list of International Joint Commission-accredited facilities.External Web Site Icon
Get lots of rest, and drink plenty of liquids.
Avoid spreading the disease by preventing more mosquito bites.

Sorry to be so brash but it is your responsibility in this case to get medical treatment and do you best to prevent spreading it to others. At the very minimum finding out if it is even in fact chikungunya. I am glad you got your blood tests and yes that seems like a ridiculous amount of time.

She did see a nurse. She is getting plenty of rest. By virtue of her condition she's not out in the public. Chick has NO treatment. What more do you want?

[www.caribbean360.com]

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) reported that as of June 20 there are 183,761 suspected cases of Chikungunya in the Caribbean. Unlike Dengue, Chikungunya can be contracted by an individual only once, since it gives lifelong immunity.

[virginislandsdailynews.com]

The most common symptoms, the CDC says, are fever and severe joint pains, often in the hands and feet.

"It causes more pronounced or severe joint pain, which tends to affect multiple joints, typically in the arms, leg and feet," Staples said of Chikungunya compared to dengue.

Most Chikungunya patients feel better within a week or so, according to the CDC.

However, some people with Chikungunya may develop prolonged joint pain that can last for months, according to the CDC. Such prolonged joint pain is not typical for dengue.

Fatalities from Chikungunya virus are rare, and no hemorrhagic cases related to Chikungunya
That advisory asked that residents alert Health to standing pools of water near their homes that cannot be emptied by residents that may benefit from larvaciding. People can contact Health's Environmental Health Division by calling 773-1311, ext. 3109 on St. Croix, or 715-5111 in the St. Thomas-St. John District.

Chikungunya is reportable by law and physicians must report all suspected cases to the Health Department using the V.I. Notifiable Disease Form by fax at 713-1508, the advisory said.

Residents should spray insecticide in dark areas, such as closets, to kill the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which carries chikungunya.

Other tips include:

- Keep tires in a dry place, and punch holes in them to make sure water drains out.

- Put plants that currently are in water into soil.

- Empty flowerpot bases weekly.

- Cover or turn upside down food containers for animals and buckets that hold water.

- Repair or replace damaged screens; keep windows and doors without screens closed; and place a screen or mesh over the overflow pipe of cisterns.

- Cover infant cribs with mosquito netting.

- Use mosquito repellents containing DEET. Follow instructions carefully and use on arms, legs, ankles and nape of neck. Avoid applying to children younger than 2 years old or to the hands of older children.

There have been three confirmed cases of chikungunya - one acquired locally, and two imported - in the territory and an additional two suspected cases, from which blood samples will be sent to the CDC Dengue Branch laboratory for confirmation, according to Esther Ellis, who will be the territorial epidemiologist for the Health Department.

It is more crippling to infants, elderly and those with heart disease.
Be aware.
This post was from June:
https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?7,22561
http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,120955

Uh, no treatment? You cannot be serious. Fluids are a must, and maintaining nutrition is not a small problem. I know from my two weeks of isolation in STT for Dengue, you cannot fool around with something as deadly serious as that. They had a nurse 24/7 watching me, from a distance across the room, with an empty bed next to me...

well, theresa i hope you feel better soon.

Is there an alternative to DEET? Anything natural? Thanks.

Is there an alternative to DEET? Anything natural? Thanks.

DEET is effective. Why would you want to use something that is not proven effective?

Is there an alternative to DEET? Anything natural? Thanks.

Cigars work pretty well.

Is there an alternative to DEET? Anything natural? Thanks.

Cigars work pretty well.

They must be really tiny cigars. How do the mosquitos put them in their mouth with that giant proboscis in the way?

What about something that isn't carcinogenic or offensive to others?

What about something that isn't carcinogenic or offensive to others?

http://wellnessmama.com/2565/homemade-bug-spray/

There are a lot of sprays out there are that are more safe for your skin and organic even than DEET. Eucalyptus oil has been proven to repel mozzy and so has catnip.

This is a good source of info and testing for several brands. If you live on STT - Aqua Action at Secret Harbor carries three of these in the dive shop. I use lemon grass from my garden when they get bad - just crush it in my hands and rub it on my legs. Works great. When I am in town thou sitting outside for dinner or at the bar I use the feet stuff thou.

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2012/07/31/all-natural-bug-and-insect-repellent-reviews-10-brands/

because deet is chemical and not natural

Eucalyptus oil has been proven to repel mozzy and so has catnip./

Just as well we don't have koalas here but somehow the thought of putting catnip on my skin doesn't present a pretty picture as I have more than enough felines crowding me out without further inspiring more closeness from them and those who own my neighbors.

A Deet-containing repellent works well for just about everyone and you'd have to bathe and soak in a 100% concentration of it for a very long time for it to have any ill effect. One must remain sensible.

Eucalyptus oil has been proven to repel mozzy and so has catnip./

Just as well we don't have koalas here but somehow the thought of putting catnip on my skin doesn't present a pretty picture as I have more than enough felines crowding me out without further inspiring more closeness from them and those who own my neighbors.

Hahaha, come on and experiment a little, and upload a picture! I dare you!

 

lol noone

Try daily B-1 vitamins (100mg) for natural mosquito repellent. Not scientifically proven, but I went for 10 years as a kid without a single mosquito bite (my mom was desperate, I was that kid completely covered in bites all summer).

Theresa, hope you're feeling better!!!

Some one suggested eating burned match heads. It has some thing to do with the sulfur in the match. Any one heard of this?
I like the B-1 better.

Some one suggested eating burned match heads. It has some thing to do with the sulfur in the match. Any one heard of this?
I like the B-1 better.

Yummy, I'm quivering with anticipation at such a culinary delight. There are a million and one remedies which people swear by but there's no "one size fits all" and I prefer to sit with a tried and tested Deet-containing repellent rather than suck on burned matchsticks, consume huge quantities of yeast, garlic or vitamin pills or slather myself in cheap gin. "Skin So Soft" is sworn to by many (though totally denied by the manufacturers) and the one time I tried it years ago the mossies came out in force to enjoy me.

Some one suggested eating burned match heads. It has some thing to do with the sulfur in the match. Any one heard of this?
I like the B-1 better.

Yummy, I'm quivering with anticipation at such a culinary delight. There are a million and one remedies which people swear by but there's no "one size fits all" and I prefer to sit with a tried and tested Deet-containing repellent rather than suck on burned matchsticks, consume huge quantities of yeast, garlic or vitamin pills or slather myself in cheap gin. "Skin So Soft" is sworn to by many (though totally denied by the manufacturers) and the one time I tried it years ago the mossies came out in force to enjoy me.

OT, that is hysterical! You are too funny. Just a note: DEET is toxic to dogs and cats. Please don't use it on the pets as it causes neurological damage.

How about citronella plants and oil?
Here's an interesting link for mosquito repelling plants.
OT will enjoy the catnip one:
http://eartheasy.com/blog/2011/04/5-easy-to-grow-mosquito-repelling-plants/

Here's another using the Neem tree leaves which grows everywhere on our islands.
http://www.malihealth.org/repelling-mosquitos-around-the-world/

As I'm shivering in bed with a 104° temperature I'll be comforted to know "at least I did it naturally" The ONLY thing I've ever found to work is sadly DEET. Not only DEET but I use the 90% stuff.