Chikungunya outbreak declared in Batangas town

BATANGAS, Philippines – Health officials of the province declared an outbreak of suspected Chikungunya disease in the coastal town of Tingloy as more than 50 people were rushed to hospitals and health centers for treatment. 

Tingloy Municipal Health Officer Emmanuel Obaña said 55 people were recorded to have shown symptoms of the disease caused by the same mosquito species that spreads dengue, since January.

Obaña said the victims were from Barangays Maricaban, San Juan and Poblacion 13, 14 and 15.

He said water samples tested positive for mosquito species that cause Chikungunya.

Chikungunya means “to become contorted” and describes the stooped appearance of victims who suffer joint pains.  The other symptoms are headache, nausea, fatigue and skin rashes.