All I Want for Christmas Is Mosquito Repellent: Avoid Becoming a Victim of Chikungunya Virus

As thousands of Americans flock to the sun, sand and warm waters of the southern states of America, the Caribbean and South and Central America, almost everyone is aware that protection from the sun can be easily achieved applying lotions with a high SPF rating. Of course, many will choose a dark tan over their skin's health, but at least they're making a decision knowing the consequences. Unfortunately, the vast majority of travelers to southern destinations do not know that unless they apply an effective mosquito repellent from dawn to dusk -- and use other repellents and protections throughout the day and night -- they could become partially paralyzed for days, or worse, dead. And there's a recent study that also suggests that severe brain infections including encephalitis can occur as a result of this virus, particularly in infants and people over 65. Chikungunya is the culprit. It is carried by a particular yet common species of mosquito, although not all mosquitoes can transmit this virus. This is a virus that can have devastating, although not usually fatal, symptoms including agonizing joint pain that can last for months, severe flu-like symptoms that can require complete bed rest between five and ten days and the potential of severe joint pain for years to come. In fact, there is some evidence that chikungunya can develop a persistent infection, with some patients reporting fatigue and joint pain up to three years later. According to Dr. Ingrid B. Rabe, Medical Ep...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news