2 Cases Of New Mosquito-Borne Virus In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island health officials are reporting the first confirmed cases of a nasty mosquito-borne virus that has been rapidly spreading in the Caribbean. Officials say the two confirmed cases of chikungunya (chik-un-GUHN-ya) involve travelers who returned from the Dominican Republic on May 17 and May 29. Authorities are still investigating several other cases. CDC Information: Chikungunya Chikungunya causes high fevers and joint pain but is rarely fatal. There is no vaccine and the main treatment is pain medication. A spokesman on Saturday said the Rhode Island Department of Health will not immediately release details on the towns where sickened people live because authorities are still investigating the infections. The Pan American Health Organization says there have been more than 135,000 suspected and confirmed cases throughout the Caribbean since the first locally transmitted case was documented in December. Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON Democrats Make Their Pitches To Delegates At Worcester ConventionConvicted Sex Offender Charged With Attacking Autistic TeenThousands March In 2014 Boston Pride Parade2 Cases Of New Mosquito-Borne Virus In Rhode Island
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Caribbean CBS Boston Chikungunya Dominican Republic Mosquitoes Rhode Island Virus WBZ Source Type: news