It is the responsibility of the Department of Public Health of Aruba (DVG) to continuously monitor the regional situation regarding infectious diseases that may affect the health of our population. For this reason, Public Health is actively monitoring cases of Measles and Chikungunya that are increasing in the region.
According to the latest available data, in the Region of the Americas (PAHO), there are a total of 1,031 registered measles cases, the majority in Mexico and the United States.
With regard to Chikungunya, two cases have been registered in Aruba this year, both imported from countries experiencing Chikungunya outbreaks. According to the latest available PAHO data, in the Americas there are a total of 2,351 confirmed Chikungunya cases and 1 death recorded due to Chikungunya.
For Aruba to prevent the importation of measles or local transmission of Chikungunya, it is important and necessary not only for health organizations to work together to identify and detect potential cases early, but also for the community to be well informed and know what to do when experiencing certain symptoms or if they believe they have been exposed to one of the above-mentioned diseases.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease transmitted from person to person when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or exhales droplets. When coughing or sneezing, virus particles remain in the air for some time and later settle on surfaces, where another person can pick them up with their hands and introduce the virus into their body through the mouth, nose, or eyes.
After the virus enters the body, symptoms usually appear within 7 to 14 days, including:
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High fever
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Runny nose
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Dry cough
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Red or inflamed eyes
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Sore throat
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Severe fatigue
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Red rash on the skin, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body
It is important that anyone experiencing these symptoms contact their family doctor by phone, follow all medical instructions, and avoid contact with others.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by the same mosquito that spreads Dengue (the Aedes mosquito). The most common symptoms are:
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Sudden fever
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Severe joint pain (wrists, ankles, knees, elbows, for example)
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Headache
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Muscle pain
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Fatigue
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Skin rash (sometimes)
Symptoms usually appear between 2 and 12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. It is important that anyone experiencing these symptoms (especially after returning from a country with a Chikungunya outbreak) contact their family doctor by phone, follow medical instructions, and prevent further mosquito bites.
This can be done by eliminating potential breeding sites, wearing long sleeves and pants, using mosquito repellent, and avoiding dark areas where mosquitoes tend to hide.
Because your health is our priority, DVG will continue to keep the community well informed.
For more information, like our Facebook page Directie Volksgezondheid DVG Aruba, follow us on Instagram directie_volksgezondheid_aruba, follow our WhatsApp Channel, visit our website www.dvg.aw, call 5224200, or email servicio@dvg.aw.