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Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Sudden fever and often severe pain in several joints are characteristic. Most people recover, but joint symptoms may last months or longer.

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  • Chikungunya is a viral illness that may be spread by Aedes mosquitoes in Curaçao.
  • The illness often starts suddenly with fever and unusually severe pain in several joints.
  • Rash, headache, muscle pain, nausea and tiredness also occur.
  • The same symptoms may suggest dengue, Zika, COVID-19 or another infection. Symptoms alone do not always reliably distinguish them.
  • There is no routine antiviral treatment that clears the virus. Care focuses on fluids, rest, appropriate pain relief and recognising complications.
  • Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines are avoided until dengue has been adequately ruled out, because dengue may cause bleeding.
  • Fever usually settles within days, but joint pain and tiredness may last weeks, months or sometimes longer.
  • Protect an ill person especially carefully against mosquito bites during the first week of illness to limit further local spread.

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Further reading

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F
FluFlu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus. It often starts suddenly with fever or chills, muscle pain, headache, tiredness and a dry cough. Most healthy people recover at home, but flu can be severe in young children, older people, pregnant people and those with chronic conditions. In Curaçao, dengue and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms; warning signs and people at higher risk need timely assessment.
G
Glandular feverGlandular fever is usually an Epstein-Barr virus infection and often causes a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes and prolonged tiredness. Most people recover on their own, but breathlessness from throat swelling, severe dehydration or sudden pain in the upper left abdomen may require immediate help.
D
DengueDengue is a viral infection spread by Aedes mosquitoes and is well known in Curaçao. Symptoms often include high fever, a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and sometimes a rash. Severe dengue often develops around the time the fever falls. Warning signs may then appear, such as abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, drowsiness, increasing weakness and dehydration. Do not use ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac or aspirin until dengue has been ruled out, because these medicines can increase the risk of bleeding.