Chikungunya Virus Reaches the Dominican Republic

We’ve told you before about the chikungunya virus that’s been hitting the tropics recently; now, the U.S. State Department is warning travelers that the mosquito-borne disease has reached the Dominican Republic. The outbreak is not widespread, but the disease has some serious symptoms and no known cure, so prevention is key.

“Chikungunya, dengue and malaria are all mosquito borne illnesses that are present in the Dominican Republic,” the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo noted in an April 15 advisory. “At this time, prevention of these infections is focused on reducing mosquito exposure by using repellents, covering exposed skin, treating clothing and tents with permethrin and sleeping in screened or air conditioned rooms.  Important mosquito control measures include emptying water from outdoor containers and using sprays. Travelers should carry and use CDC recommended insect repellents containing either 20% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 will help diminish  bites from mosquitoes as well ticks, fleas, chiggers, etc, some of which may also carry infectious diseases.”