Virus mutation blamed for spread of chikungunya

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – International experts have found that virus mutation is causing the spread of chikungunya disease not only in the country but in other parts of the world, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said here yesterday.

DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said two species of mosquito are now transmitting the virus.

“According to international experts, there had been a mutation of chikungunya virus. Before it was spread only by Aedes aegypti, now it is also found in Aedes albopictus mosquitoes,” he said.

He said Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are usually found indoors, while Aedes albopictus mosquitoes circulate outdoors. 

The website of the Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention describes Aedes albopictus as an Asian mosquito, which is believed to have reached Hawaii in the last century.

“It is because of this mutation that chikungunya is spreading. In 2004, chikungunya spread from an outbreak in Kenya,” he said, adding that it started to reach Southeast Asian countries in 2008.

Chikungunya was last detected in the country in the 1960s but resurfaced in 2009 in Cagayan de Oro and Davao after Tropical Storm Sendong hit parts of Mindanao.

“Right now, the best way to fight off chikungunya is to eliminate the breeding sites of mosquitoes. You will not only combat chikungunya but dengue as well,” Tayag said.