17 suspected chikungunya cases detected in Davao City

Davao City has detected 17 suspected cases of chikungunya, a virus transmitted by infected mosquitoes to humans, the Department of Health (DOH) regional office said on Wednesday.

In a message to GMA News Online, DOH-11 director Dr. Annabelle Yumang said of the 17 suspected cases, only three qualified for testing and have submitted their specimen collection last week.

“Waiting kami sa result the test [we are still waiting for the test result],” she said, indicating that there are no confirmed chikungunya cases yet in the City.

Yumang said the laboratory test results will be released within two weeks from receipt at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

“Yes, next week na ang result,” she added.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a chikungunya virus infection may result in fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, joint swelling, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash.

“Severe cases and deaths from chikungunya are very rare and are almost always related to other existing health problems,” WHO said.

Cases ‘have recovered’

As of Wednesday, Yumang emphasized that all suspected cases “have recovered” and none of them got hospitalized as they all experienced mild symptoms. No one from the group is also pregnant.

The symptoms of the cases included fever, rash, arthritis, headache, vomiting, and dizziness, she said.

Yumang added that the DOH started the clustering of suspected chikungunya cases at Panacan Proper Bunawan Davao City on May 26.

Asked about the DOH’s advice to the public to address potential Chikungunya infections, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said they should continue observing the 4S behaviors that the DOH has been campaigning to also fight against dengue.

These are: Search and destroy breeding places; Secure self-protection; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas, especially now during the rainy season. —KBK/RSJ, GMA News