Chikungunya spreads as Maldives capital reports 59 cases this month
The name Chikungunya comes from a Kimakonde word that means "to become contorted" and describes the stooped appearance of people with joint pain.
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By
Aishath Fareeha Abdulla
Chikungunya is spreading in Maldives, and the Health Ministry has issued warnings.
Health Minister Dr Abdullah Haleel said in a post on X that the spread of Chikungunya is increasing and 59 cases of Chikungunya have been reported in the capital city this month alone.
The minister's post urged people to destroy mosquito breeding grounds to control the spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya.
“With the rainy season ahead, the number of mosquitoes that spread the disease will increase if special measures are not taken,” he said.
What is Chikungunya?
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The disease is spread by the Aedes mosquito that causes dengue fever
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The disease causes joint pain and inflammation
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The name comes from a Kimakonde word that means "to become contorted" and describes the stooped appearance of people with joint pain
Among the symptoms of Chikungunya
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Fever that rises to 39°C, and chills
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Severe headache and muscle aches
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Joint swelling, stiffness, and pain, especially in the mornings
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Abdominal pain and terrible nausea
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A rash, usually on the trunk or limbs, that lasts for 7–10 days
Chikungunya is most commonly transmitted from mother to unborn child during delivery, infants, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease.
