Department of Health confirms there has been no local transmission of chikungunya in Bermuda

This month the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a travel notice for Bermuda in relation to Chikungunya.

The notice states: “In December 2014, Bermuda reported local transmission of chikungunya. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. This is the first time that local transmission of chikungunya has been reported in Bermuda. CDC recommends that travellers to Bermuda protect themselves from chikungunya by preventing mosquito bites.”

The statement is erroneous and the Bermuda Department of Health has today been in contact with the CDC to request that the information be removed. The source of the information used by the CDC has been identified and is also being corrected.

In 2014, three imported cases of chikungunya were confirmed in Bermuda, with all three individuals having travelled to chikungunya-affected countries in the Caribbean. Investigation by the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and proactive measures by Vector Control were implemented to prevent further spread and it was determined that there was no ongoing, local transmission. The most recent confirmed case was in mid-November.

To be clear, to date, no local spread of the virus has been reported in Bermuda, though imported cases make local spread possible because the mosquitoes that can transmit the virus are found in Bermuda (the Aedes mosquito).

It should be noted however that the Aedes aegypti, which is the kind of mosquito found largely in Caribbean, has not been seen in Bermuda since 1998 having been displaced by Aedes albopictus. However we must continue to remain vigilant in preventing mosquito breeding as Aedes albopictus can also spread chikungunya.

The best way to prevent the presence of mosquitos is for us to increase our vigilance regarding standing water removal. The public is advised to empty any containers of standing water around the home/yard. Buckets, plant pots, tyres, plastic sheeting and other items should be checked and emptied. Otherwise, the water they are holding may act as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. If you need assistance in doing so or need your property assessed, call Vector Control at 278-5397. With frequent travel between Bermuda and affected areas in the Caribbean, the Department of Health continues to work with health care providers and other regional public health partners to monitor possible imported cases.

The Department of Health wishes to take this opportunity to remind the public that the chikungunya outbreak continues to affect the Caribbean and reiterates the need to reduce mosquitoes locally.

Chikungunya is not transmitted from direct person to person contact, but a person with the disease can be the source of the virus for mosquitoes that can then transmit the virus to others through a bite. To prevent the spread of the disease, people with chikungunya illness should be especially careful to avoid exposure to mosquitoes during the first week of illness.

Infections are rarely fatal but can cause severe joint pain, high fever, head and muscle aches, joint swelling and rash. Symptoms usually begin three to seven days after being bitten by a mosquito. There is no vaccine or treatment for the virus. Most people feel better within a week, though some people may develop longer-term joint pain.

The Department of Health encourages people to protect themselves from mosquito bites at home and while travelling. The Aedes mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya are active and bite during the day. Precautions include:

• Use an approved insect repellent every time you go outside, and follow label instructions.

• Drain standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

• Wear long sleeves and pants when outside.

• Use air conditioning or make sure doors and windows are screened to keep mosquitoes outside.

Travellers to the Caribbean should monitor their health for two weeks after travel. If travellers experience fevers with joint pains or rash they should seek medical attention and inform the health care provider of their recent travel history.