Chik-V on vacation in the Caribbean
Dear Editor,
The Caribbean region known for its allure and beautiful white sand beaches now has a new visitor who has overstayed its welcome.
All Jamaicans by now should know of someone who has recovered or who is currently experiencing the flu-like symptoms associated with the chikungunya virus. Chikungunya is not a new virus. This virus has lived quietly in south-eastern Africa for many years. However, since December of 2013 the virus’s decision to take a Caribbean vacation has been creating mayhem and much discomfort for the region’s citizens.
Chikungunya means “that which bends over”. This meaning is derived from the language of the Makonde people of Africa. The Makonde people are Bantu-speaking people of East Africa. The Makonde live in Mozambique and Tanzania.
Chikungunya is transmitted primarily by two species of mosquitoes, the tropical Aedes Aegypti and the Aedes Albopictus, better known as the Asian tiger mosquito.
There are different strains of chikungunya virus, and therefore one can be reinfected with another strain of the virus.
In addition to the pain and suffering associated with this virus, there is also an economic cost to the virus since productivity will be negatively affected as victims are often debilitated and require time-off from work in order to recuperate.
The Caribbean community needs to work more urgently and closely in coordinating efforts to eradicate and/or reduce the cases of chikungunya virus which plague many communities across the region. We now need to declare chikungunya “persona non grata”.
Wayne Campbell
waykam@yahoo.com
www.wayaine.blogspot.com