PARAMARIBO – The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour (VWA) says it has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a person from the chikungunya virus.
The death comes less than a week after the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country had confirmed an outbreak of the mosquito borne Chikungunya virus.
The VWA had said then that 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 have been confirmed with none of those persons who tested positive having travelled overseas in recent times.
It said that the Bureau for Public Health was investigating the cases, tracing contacts, conducting additional testing, and has increased surveillance to prevent further spread.
In its latest statement the ministry gave no details regarding the victim, saying the BOG has launched a case investigation into the circumstances surrounding this death.
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. It also recommends 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. (CMC)
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