DOH confirms dengue-like virus outbreak in Antique town

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a mosquito-borne viral disease outbreak in Patnongon town, Antique, an official from the agency said on Friday.

In his Twitter account, DOH Assistant Secretry Eric Tayag said the agency has confirmed 313 cases of chikungunya in the area since April.

No deaths have been reported so far, Tayag said.

#DOH confirms #chikungunya outbreak in Patnongon, Antique w/ 313 cases No deaths Started in April Mosquito larvae found in bamboo fences

— Doc Eric Tayag (@erictayagSays) June 28, 2013

According to the website of the World Health Organization (WHO), chikungunya is a viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.

"The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common," the WHO website said.

Tayag said dengue and chikungunya cause the same symptoms initially. But in later stages, dengue can result in shock, bleeding or organ failure.

"There is no known cure for #chikungunya but unlike dengue it is rarely fatal Diagnosis requires blood tests Joint pains may last for years," Tayag said on Twitter.

He said chikungunya is transmitted through bites from mosquitoes that also spread dengue.

Chikungunya also requires elimination of mosquito breeding sites similar to dengue, Tayag explained.

In the case of the outbreak in Patnongon, Tayag said mosquito larvae were found in bamboo fences.

"[C]hikungunya outbreaks in [Philippines] coincide with dengue season during the rainy months. Areas with known dengue risk is also at risk for [chikungunya]," the official said on Twitter.

According to the WHO, chikungunya outbreaks had occurred in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Chikungunya cases had also been reported in Europe.