Brazil recorded more than 170,000 probable cases of chikungunya, from January to December this year. An increase of 79% compared to the same period in 2021. Data from the Ministry of Health🇧🇷 Like dengue and Zika, the disease is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. According to the Ministry’s latest epidemiological bulletin, the incidence of chikungunya is 79.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Faced with this occurrence, the Ministry stresses the need for the population to take measures to prevent mosquito infestations and, above all, to be careful of the symptoms.
Like dengue, chikungunya is characterized by fever and headache. The Coordinator of the Family Health Team for the Federal District, Adryenne de Carvalho Mello, explains the main difference between the symptoms of the two diseases:
“Dengue and chikungunya have similar symptoms and signs, while dengue is characterized by body pain, and chikungunya is characterized by pain and swelling in the joints.”
In addition to pain in the joints of the feet, hands, fingers, ankles, and wrist, chikungunya can also present with muscle pain. However, according to the Ministry of Health, the acute form of chikungunya lasts up to 15 days. Some people may develop chronic joint pain that may last longer than this period.
When any of these symptoms appear, the Ministry of Health recommends that you seek medical attention at a Basic Health Unit (UBS) immediately.
To combat the mosquitoes that cause chikungunya, it is enough to adopt simple, everyday situations indoors. The recommendation is to avoid stagnant water, which is a favorable condition for the spread of Aedes aegypti. Covering water tanks, cleaning out gutters, and tying garbage bags are some effective preventive measures. The ministry also recommends storing tires in covered places, placing sand in plant pots and leaving bottles upside down.
Every day is mosquito fighting day. And be aware of the symptoms, too. Learn more about ways to prevent Aedes aegypti outbreaks and guidance on the website www.gov.br/combataomosquito🇧🇷
See more:
Dengue Fever: Possible cases grow 172.4% in one year, according to the Ministry of Health bulletin
Dengue fever: high fever and body aches? Know the symptoms of the disease
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