PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC) — Suriname has confirmed an outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, with none of the individuals who tested positive having travelled overseas in recent times.

The Ministry of Health said laboratory tests were conducted by the Central Laboratory of the Bureau for Public Health (BOG) and the laboratory of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo and that eight cases had been confirmed.

The Bureau for Public Health is investigating the cases, tracing contacts, conducting additional testing, and has increased surveillance to prevent further spread.

Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which is also responsible for the spread of dengue, zika, and yellow fever. The disease is accompanied by symptoms such as sudden fever, severe joint pain and swelling, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a rash.

Chikungunya is not transmitted directly from person to person and a past infection leads to lifelong immunity.

The ministry is advising people with fever and joint pain or swelling not to use aspirin or ibuprofen, but to take paracetamol for pain and fever. They also recommend drinking plenty of fluids, resting and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.

The ministry said that it will continue to provide the public with timely, accurate and transparent information as more information becomes available.

The first chikungunya outbreak in Suriname occurred in June 2014, when the virus was first identified locally in the country as part of the broader spread of chikungunya in the Caribbean and surrounding regions.

The authorities are urging people to actively contribute to mosquito control by removing breeding grounds in and around homes, workplaces and recreational areas, such as stagnant water in buckets, tires, flowerpots, and other containers. It is also recommended to wear protective clothing that covers arms and legs and to use mosquito repellent.