A rapidly escalating outbreak of chikungunya virus is underway in Suriname. As of , 1150 people have been infected since the virus resurfaced in January, according to reports. A potential second fatality is currently under investigation, with the precise cause of death still to be determined.
The Chikungunya Control Group, led by chairperson Maureen van Dijk, announced these figures during a press conference at the Ministry of Health. The group indicated that the virus is spreading throughout the country, despite the lack of large-scale control measures at this time.
While spraying to eliminate mosquito breeding sites occurred in various locations two weeks ago, the available larvicide chemicals have been depleted. New supplies of pesticides and larvicides, sourced from Barbados and Brazil, are en route, but the timeline for a large-scale spraying campaign remains uncertain.
To date, infections have been confirmed in eight of Suriname’s ten districts: Brokopondo, Sipaliwini, and Saramacca have not yet reported any cases.
The Control Group is urgently appealing to the public to actively participate in virus control efforts. Eliminating standing water remains crucial, as mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya can lay their eggs even in small reservoirs like flowerpots and vases.
Individuals are also advised to wear protective clothing and use mosquito repellents, such as gels, vaporizers, and incense. Infants and young children should sleep under mosquito nets. Pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with underlying health conditions are considered high-risk groups.
Health authorities warn that further spread could place additional strain on healthcare personnel, who are also at risk of infection. However, there have been positive developments in cases involving infants. A newborn whose mother was infected during pregnancy recovered thanks to prompt medical intervention, and two other infected babies have been discharged from the hospital.
Sufficient testing materials are available, and individuals experiencing fever and severe joint pain are urged to seek immediate medical attention.
The current outbreak appears to be progressing more rapidly than the chikungunya epidemic of 2014, which lasted approximately four months, recorded around 700 confirmed cases, and resulted in one death. Notably, during the recent press conference, the number of confirmed cases increased from 983 to 1150 within a single hour, underscoring the virus’s rapid spread.
Individuals who have previously contracted chikungunya generally possess immunity, although joint pain can recur later. Meanwhile, health services in the districts continue to actively collect data on chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue.
Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The illness typically begins with fever and muscle pain, followed by debilitating joint pain that can persist for weeks, months, or even years. While there are no specific medications or approved vaccines for chikungunya, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, including pain and fever.
According to Suriname’s Health Minister André Misiekaba, as reported on , 134 cases of chikungunya have been laboratory-confirmed, ranging in age from 11 months to 85 years. The largest groups of infections are in the 25 to 44 age group (27 cases) and the 45 to 64 age group (38 cases). The single confirmed death was an individual with serious underlying health conditions.
The situation in Suriname is being closely monitored by neighboring regions, as highlighted by reports. The potential for cross-border transmission underscores the importance of regional collaboration in mosquito control and public health preparedness. Health officials emphasize that community involvement is essential to effectively combat the outbreak, and that the government’s efforts will be limited without the commitment of every citizen.
Testing for multiple arboviruses, including dengue, yellow fever, the Oropouche virus, and Mayaro, is standard practice in Suriname. This comprehensive approach allows for accurate diagnosis and tracking of these mosquito-borne illnesses. The Central Laboratory automatically tests all samples for these viruses, which explains why no chikungunya cases had been detected in the country for the past ten years prior to the current outbreak.
