Chikungunya fever in northcaribbean- problem?

[phanakapan]

We are leaving Grenada later today, (if the wind calms enough for us to put our genoa back on without uprooting the anchor...!)- and heading north to probably St Martin to provision and wait for a good weather slot for the Azores. However, we have just been scaring ourselves with the stories of chikungunya mosquito-spread disease wgich is reportedly rife in the french caribbean islands. Should we change our plans, anyone? Rum_Pirate? What's it like in St Kitts?

 

[tcm]

Not a huge prob in st martin. A friend had this a couple of months back, lays you low for a few days, like influenza does, I suppose. Definitely not a good enough reason to avoid sxm.

 

[capnsensible]

Ti punch wards it off.

 

[Rum_Pirate]

Has first reported case here at end of February.

Like Dengue, Chikungunya is characterized by fever and pain, which appear up 3 – 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Other symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and rash,” he explained.

Dr. Martin assured that with Chikungunya, there is no risk of bleeding complications, which distinguishes it from Dengue.

He explained further that a person could have either Dengue or Chikungunya without showing symptoms. “Such a person has a strong immune system boosted by the natural vitamins and minerals found in local fruits, vegetables, provisions and homemade beverages. Junk food, chemicalized drinks, excess alcohol and tiredness reduce the body’s defences.”

Dr. Martin also noted that although there is no vaccine medicinal cure for Chikungunya, it can be treated. “Treatment is directed at relieving the symptoms of pain and fever using Paracetamol; not Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Symptoms may last up to 10 days. Recovery from an infection leads to lifelong protection.” He said.

As tcm said not that big an issue up here.

Nobody I know has had it.

 

[tcm]

I'm not totally convinced that my friend had it, but i'm not allowed to say that

 

[SimonJ]

Met A St a Thomas chandlery manager who got it last year and a Canadian friend who had it from a bite in Grenada this year. It is definitely around as warning signs in French islands indicate. Most assess and accept risk particularly in St Martin which still fills with boats. By all accounts it is nasty if you get it and always worth taking precautions - but nets, sprays etc.
I always prefer Martinique for stock up as St M while having all the services is in my opinion not a very nice place - but check in at Capitainerie at marina inside lagoon on French side which is least cost, by the way.
This season where ever we went there seemed to us to be more mossies around, but that's just us - thankfully none of the nasty kind! They spray in lots of places - Dutch side of St M, Jolly Hbr in Antigua (good for stocking up, too) for example.
Good sailing!

 

[Jeannius]

An acquaintance caught it in Martinique a few weeks back, felt bad on the way to St Lucia and ended up in hospital for a week. Can be very nasty apparently.

 

[KellysEye]

When mosquitos were around we used Jungle Gel which is 50% DEET and woks fine, the military use 100% DEET. If you use that, or anything with 50% DEET then you can go anywhere and not worry. We also had mosquito nets for the hatches and the main hatch. Don't bother with the mosquito candles they knock them out and don't kill them the effect doesn't last long.