Westfield's Urgent Alert: Protecting Our Community from the Chikungunya Virus Threat

The Westfield Health Department is issuing an important public health bulletin, urging all residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families from the Chikungunya virus. While not endemic to our region, cases can occur through travel, and local mosquito populations have the potential to transmit the virus if it's introduced.

Understanding this threat and how to mitigate it is crucial for our community's well-being.

Chikungunya is a viral disease primarily spread to humans by infected mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species, which can be found in various parts of the world, including some areas of the United States.

The name 'Chikungunya' originates from a word in the Kimakonde language, meaning 'to become contorted,' reflecting the stooped appearance of individuals suffering from the severe joint pain that is a hallmark symptom of the disease.

Symptoms typically begin 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

The most common indicators include a sudden onset of fever (often above 102°F or 39°C) and severe joint pain. Other symptoms may include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and a rash. While most people fully recover, the debilitating joint pain can sometimes persist for weeks, months, or even years, significantly impacting quality of life.

Young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk for more severe disease.

Since there is no specific medication to treat Chikungunya and no vaccine to prevent it, prevention focuses entirely on avoiding mosquito bites. Here's how you can drastically reduce your risk:

• Use EPA-Registered Insect Repellents: Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.

  Always follow product label instructions, especially when using on children.

• Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity (dawn and dusk), wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes to minimize exposed skin.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in water.

  Regularly empty and scrub containers that hold water, such as buckets, planters, birdbaths, pet water dishes, and tires. Check gutters for clogs. Cover trash cans tightly.

• Maintain Window and Door Screens: Ensure screens on windows and doors are intact and free of holes to keep mosquitoes outside your home.
• Travel Smart: If you are traveling to areas where Chikungunya is prevalent, be extra vigilant with personal protection measures both during your trip and for at least three weeks after your return, in case you were exposed.

The Westfield Health Department encourages all residents to be aware and take these simple yet effective steps.

By working together, we can protect our community from mosquito-borne illnesses. For more information or concerns, please contact the Westfield Health Department or consult your healthcare provider.