Thailand has faced the rise of another dangerous infection. We are talking about the incidence of the chikungunya virus, the level of which as of June of this year is 282% higher than last year. About the outbreak of the disease, which is accompanied by pain in the joints for several years, tourists were informed by Outbreak News Today concerning representatives of health care in Thailand.
485 patients for the first week of June 2023 – such an official figure is given by the Ministry of the Kingdom and characterized as “a significant increase in the number of patients”. As you can see, the data reaches the masses with some delay. Fortunately, there were no reports of deaths.
Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes that carry the chikungunya virus. The disease was first described during an epidemic in southern Tanzania in 1952, now it is widespread in almost 40 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and, more recently, in America. Symptoms appear 4-8 days after a mosquito bite but can occur after 2-12 days.
The most common signs of the virus are a sharp increase in temperature, accompanied by pain in the joints. Muscle aches, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and rash may also occur. Severe joint pain usually lasts for a few days, but can sometimes last for months or years. Serious complications are rare, but some atypical and severe cases have been recorded by doctors. In these situations, the symptoms persist for a long time and can lead to death, especially if the patients are elderly.
It should be recalled that in Thailand the high tourist season has ended and the rainy season has arrived, which is accompanied by an increased risk of infection with various tropical diseases. In some regions of the country, the authorities previously reported strong outbreaks of dengue fever — the number of infected people exceeded 500% compared to last year (details here). In addition, there have been many confirmed cases of norovirus infection among tourists.
This is a serious reminder to travelers to take precautions and maintain hygiene, especially when visiting areas with a high risk of infection. It is important to use repellents, wear protective clothing and provide protection against insect bites. If symptoms of chikungunya appear, it is recommended to consult a medical professional for appropriate help and treatment.