Armenia reports first case of chikungunya fever

ArmInfo.Armenia has reported its first case of chikungunya fever, the National Center for  Disease Control and Prevention reported.

According to the source, the case was recorded on February 18. The  patient contracted the disease from a mosquito bite in the  Seychelles. His health is currently assessed as satisfactory.

The latency period for the disease is 2-12 days, and the main  symptoms include fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, skin rash,  and weakness. The infection is transmitted through a mosquito bite.  It is not spread from person to person, and there is no specific  treatment. A vaccine against this infection is not widely available.  Those at risk include people with chronic illnesses, the elderly, and  pregnant women. Mortality is rare, estimated at 0.1% of those  infected (primarily the elderly and those with chronic illnesses).

To reduce the potential risk of infection, it is recommended to use  insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use insect  repellents and devices.

The agency notes that if similar symptoms occur in the Seychelles,  Sri Lanka, Suriname, Bolivia, and Cuba, travelers should consult an  infectious disease specialist.