Mayaro virus is not a new virus. In fact, it was discovered right here in the Caribbean. The emergence of this virus is a sign for us to continue to intensify vector control activities. We have seen over the past few years the emergence of numerous vector-borne diseases in the region of the Americas.{{more}} In 2014, an outbreak of CHIKV spread through the Americas and then two years later an outbreak of ZIKV.
Mayaro virus is closely related to the Chikungunya virus and was first isolated in Trinidad in 1954. Most reported cases, however, have been confined to small outbreaks in the Amazon. The symptoms of Mayaro fever are similar to those of chikungunya fever: fever, joint pain, muscle pain and rashes. Abdominal pain is also a feature of Mayaro fever, however, and joint pain can last longer.
The prevention of these mosquito-borne diseases requires control or eradication of the mosquitoes carrying the virus. People are urged to empty stagnant water from old tires, trash cans, and flowerpots. Governmental initiatives to decrease mosquitoes, such as fogging activities and other vector control activities, can also help to keep the disease in check, but have been poorly effective.
To prevent mosquito bites, wear long pants and long sleeves. For personal protection, use mosquito repellent sprays that contain DEET. There are no specific risk factors for contracting many of these diseases, except living in, or, travelling to an area where the mosquitoes and virus are endemic. Limiting exposure to mosquitoes, especially at the times when the mosquito bites more, will help.
Dr Rosmond Adams, MD is a medical doctor and a public health specialist with training in bioethics and ethical issues in medicine, the life sciences and research. He is the head of Health Information, Communicable Diseases and Emergency Response at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). (The views expressed here are not written on behalf of CARPHA).
Facebook