chikungunya virus

[Accompong]

We are coming to Negril in two weeks. I've read that Jamaica is getting hit hard with the mosquito borne virus chikungunya. I'm a bit worried. How are the mosquitos in Feb. in Negril?

I don't want to play down the seriousness of getting Chick V or dealing with the sometimes sever symptoms but Negril is hardly the epicenter of the problem.

There was a massive cleanup problem of breeding sites (mostly in the Eastern end of Jamaica) and in spot areas around the island. The government, though being accused of not acting quick enough) has undertaken a large scale cleanup project along with many volunteers from around the island. As the sites got cleaned up and people started to protect themselves with sprays, clothing, screening and staying indoors in the evening, the virus has lost much of it's punch. You can only get it if a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites you. By eliminating the breeding sites and people recovering from the disease, fewer instances of transmission occurred.

In some areas, like Alligator Pond, late last year a lot of school children were infected and these stories only fueled the fears of both locals and tourists.

Just do what you normally due to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Nobody likes them so protection would happen with or without Chick V, right?

The mosquitos in February in Negril are just as friendly as they are the rest of the year so if you don't want to "meet" them just take preventive measures like any other time of the year.

Have a great trip. Can't say "Nothing to worry about" but nothing to obsess about either.

Peace and Guidance

[mickif3]

I don't want to play down the seriousness of getting Chick V or dealing with the sometimes sever symptoms but Negril is hardly the epicenter of the problem.

There was a massive cleanup problem of breeding sites (mostly in the Eastern end of Jamaica) and in spot areas around the island. The government, though being accused of not acting quick enough) has undertaken a large scale cleanup project along with many volunteers from around the island. As the sites got cleaned up and people started to protect themselves with sprays, clothing, screening and staying indoors in the evening, the virus has lost much of it's punch. You can only get it if a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites you. By eliminating the breeding sites and people recovering from the disease, fewer instances of transmission occurred.

In some areas, like Alligator Pond, late last year a lot of school children were infected and these stories only fueled the fears of both locals and tourists.

Just do what you normally due to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Nobody likes them so protection would happen with or without Chick V, right?

The mosquitos in February in Negril are just as friendly as they are the rest of the year so if you don't want to "meet" them just take preventive measures like any other time of the year.

Have a great trip. Can't say "Nothing to worry about" but nothing to obsess about either.

Peace and Guidance

Thank you for the info

[mickif3]

Thank you. I feel better.