The total number of confirmed chikungunya cases reached 26 this week (20 October 2014).
  • The distribution of confirmed cases (26) has been: George Town - nine; Cayman Brac - three; West Bay - six; Bodden Town - five, Little Cayman - two and North Side - one. 22 reported travel history to countries experiencing outbreaks, (two to the Dominican Republic, three to Guyana, 16 to Jamaica and one to St Lucia).  The number of locally transmitted cases remains at four.
  • Of the twenty- four results awaited from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), twelve were received. Eleven of these tested negative for chikungunya of which one tested positive for dengue, and one tested positive for chikungunya.   
The patient who tested positive for chikungunya is a resident of North Side with travel history to Jamaica and onset of symptoms on 7 th October, whilst the patient who tested positive for Dengue is a resident of West Bay who had travel history to Honduras and onset of symptoms on 1 October.  Both patients therefore are no longer considered infectious. “ As an outbreak has been established in Jamaica (the region where we have reported the most imported cases) , the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)   has advised that only a limited number of samples with travel history will be tested  as all of them will be clinically diagnosed and considered as suspected cases,” noted Dr . Kiran Kumar Medical Officer of Health. He further explained that, “This means that since we have not had a locally transmitted case since 20 September  blood testing will be carried out  for those without travel history, to consider if any local transmission is occurring. “
  • 26 chikungunya cases were reported during the week 14-20 October 2014 based on symptoms. Eight had travelled to Jamaica, where a chikungunya outbreak is reportedly occurring and 18 reported no travel history.
  • Total number of suspected cases of chikungunya reported since 25 June 2014 is 122.
  • The total number of results received thus far is 84. 26 have come back positive, 55 negative and three inconclusive. Results from 21 blood samples during 14-20 October and two previous samples are still awaited. 
Chikungunya causes fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Officials urge anyone who may be experiencing these symptoms to immediately see a healthcare provider. Use mosquito repellent with DEET on the skin, and wear long sleeve pants and shirts when outside during times that mosquitoes bite, whether in the Cayman Islands or on travels. As at 20 October 2014, 14,425  probable cases of chikungunya have been reported from 22 of the 24 CARPHA Member States and 11 other Caribbean countries/territories. The total number of suspected cases is 730,623. Further information can be obtained through www.hsa.k y  and https://www.facebook.com/CaymanIslandsHSA. Regional updates can be accessed by visiting the CARPHA website on http://carpha.org/What-We-Do/Public-Health-Activities/Chikungunya . In addition United States updates are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/geo/united-states.html .