Circulation of Chikungunya and Zika Viruses Confirmed in Grenada

Confirmation and Verification

Grenada’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Shawn Charles has confirmed that Chikungunya and Zika, two vector-borne viruses transmitted mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, are currently circulating in the country.

“We have had one positive result that we are verifying with CARPHA,” said Charles, who admitted that the results of other samples are pending.

“By the end of the week we hope to have more information,” he added.

Discovery and Outbreak

Several medical or healthcare providers first became aware about the circulation of the viruses after it was disclosed in the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Surveillance Bulletin for week 43, which is the period October 21 to 27.

“Preliminary results from CARPHA CMML identified the presence of Chikungunya and Zika in circulation,” said the report under the subtopic outbreaks.

About CARPHA CMML

The CARPHA CMML is the Caribbean Public Health Agency, Medical Microbiology Laboratory, which is based in Trinidad and Tobago. Among its roles is providing accurate and reliable services for surveillance and control of disease in CARPHA Members.

Previous Outbreaks

In 2014, Grenada experienced an outbreak of Chikungunya, otherwise called ChicV, and hundreds of people were affected by the condition, which symptoms include:

Fever, often higher than 102°F;
Chills;
Headache;
Muscle pain;
Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in the mornings;
Nausea, vomiting, and feeling tired or weak.

The Zika virus, which was first diagnosed in Grenada in 2015, is also spread by mosquitoes and can cause serious birth defects. Symptoms of Zika include:

Rash;
Headache;
Joint pain;
Conjunctivitis (red eyes);
Muscle pain.

Current Situation

Charles clarified that it’s one positive case each for both medical conditions that share the same and/or similar symptoms like dengue. The different virus is only identified when the relevant test is conducted at the laboratory.

Grenada has been experiencing an outbreak or a significant rise in dengue cases, which is also transmitted via the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, since May 2023. In recent weeks, the environmental division in the Ministry of Health has been fogging several communities.

Epidemiology Surveillance Report

The Epidemiology surveillance report also shows that besides the circulation of the Zika, dengue, and Chikungunya viruses, other viruses circulating in Grenada include:

Covid-19 virus;
Influenza A (H1N1);
Influenza A (H3N2);
Rhinovirus;
Adenovirus;
Parainfluenza 3;
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the circulation of Chikungunya and Zika viruses in Grenada is a cause for concern, and it is essential to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of these diseases.

FAQs

Q: What are the symptoms of Chikungunya and Zika viruses?
A: The symptoms of Chikungunya include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in the mornings. The symptoms of Zika include rash, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis, and muscle pain.

Q: How are Chikungunya and Zika viruses transmitted?
A: Chikungunya and Zika viruses are transmitted mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Q: What is being done to prevent the spread of these diseases?
A: The environmental division in the Ministry of Health has been fogging several communities, and the public is advised to take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites.