The Ministry of Health has confirmed a case of Chikungunya virus in Saint Lucia, the first laboratory-confirmed case in the country since 2021.
According to a press release issued on Wednesday, March 4, the patient received medical care at a local hospital for four days and was released following a full recovery. No additional cases have been identified since.
Other countries in the region have recorded recent outbreaks of the virus, including Cuba and Suriname. In February, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert for the Americas due to an increase in chikungunya cases.
“Given the movement of people between territories and the presence of the Aedes mosquito locally, Saint Lucia remains at risk for additional cases,” noted the health ministry in its statement.
As the virus can only be transmitted through the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, public health officials say measures are being implemented to prevent spread by decreasing the mosquitoes’ population. “Surveillance has been enhanced to detect and respond to additional cases, and vector control operations are underway to reduce mosquito populations in affected areas,” the ministry said.
Common symptoms of chikungunya include fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache and rash. Officials advise anyone showing signs of the virus to seek care at their nearest Community Wellness Centre.
The ministry noted that as the vector requires water to breed, prevention efforts should focus on eliminating possible breeding sites. The public is therefore urged to:
- Eliminate standing water around homes
- Regularly inspect even small containers that can collect water
- Avoid indiscriminate dumping of garbage
- Follow scheduled garbage collection times
- Store water safely, especially in areas experiencing water supply interruptions
- Use mosquito nets
- Apply insect repellent to skin, clothing or mosquito nets
Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors during peak mosquito activity
