NC mosquito-borne chikungunya virus

[TheYoungOne]

I just want to throw it out there as a possibility. Apparently someone in North Carolina caught Chikungunya, maybe in the maybe during a trip to the Caribbean, but maybe from a NC mosquito. Just watch for a sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain in the hands and feet. Apparently those nasty Asian Tiger Mosquitos can carry it.

http://www.wral.com/nc-reports-first-case-of-mosquito-borne-chikungunya-virus/13723952/#hU1zFCIqQQlA3ldt.99

[Old_Man]

There are cases in Florida now too: http://www.abc-7.com/story/25756360/second-case-of-chikungunya-in-southwest-florida

[TheYoungOne]

Yep its officially in the USA, and spreading fast. Cases in at least 15 states so far, from NY to FL. Definitely using DEET hiking this year. With a solid week of Fever an Joint Pain with the possibility of it lingering for months, this virus could be a trip ender if a thru hiker gets it.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/06/16/us-officials-keep-close-eye-on-miserable-mosquito-borne-chikungunya-virus/

[gunner76]

No proven cases of anyone catching it from skeeters here in US ( yet ). Cuba has reported several cases.

[survivalisthiker]

If you contract the virus does it kill you or are you just sick for a period of time?


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[Wise Old Owl]

If you contract the virus does it kill you or are you just sick for a period of time?


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good question - 1.9 million infected in third world countries and the symptoms are aweful and no data reported.
Chikungunya is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. The joint pain is often very debilitating, but usually lasts for a few days or may be prolonged to weeks.
Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints. Serious complications are not common, but in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death. Often symptoms in infected individuals are mild and the infection may go unrecognized, or be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue occurs.

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs327/en/

Edit edit... Uh so now you folks might use a little Deep Woods Off? pffft... I think not. ewww chemicals and it melts plastic.... its sad and disappointing at the same time.

If DWO prevented Zombie Attacks the youth would be spraying each other.

[Leanthree]

DEET is glorious, but like most things that are this great, it is best enjoyed in moderation.

[Odd Man Out]

Uh so now you folks might use a little Deep Woods Off? pffft... I think not. ewww chemicals and it melts plastic.... its sad and disappointing at the same time. ..

Search out repellents with Picaridin. It has been shown to be just as effective as DEET, but doesn't melt (technically dissolve) plastic or irritate the skin like DEET can (also odorless).

We have a friend in Haiti and the virus is really causing havoc down there.

[Wise Old Owl]

Thanks I have a spritz of that in the garage... It's OK - I like it too.