Within population densely clustered in flimsy homes, Haiti, Ideal for Chiukungunya

The chikungunya virus's first case was recorded in May in Haiti, and health clinic workers say they have diagnosed 40,000 cases of what they believe to be chikungunya. The symptoms of the virus are severe joint pain that immobilizes victims for days on end and dehydration. The most extreme cases advance to a stage of respiratory failure.

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Chikungunya has spread throughout the Caribbean with cases documented in as many as 20 countries in the South Region. They include the Virgin Islands, Dominica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, French Guyana, and Suriname.

Researchers have yet to develop a vaccine, and pain medication is the only remedy available. But for poor folk medication like acetaminophen is too expensive. Authorities have been dispensing free pain medication to public health clinics to counteract pharmacies preying on the vulnerable to shell out their last gourde to stop the pain.

In case you or a family member have been affected by the Chikungunya Virus, we carefully provide you with the health facilities in function: haitianbusiness.com

Preventive measures such as bug sprays, window screens, and mosquito nets are not affordable either, and people have become fatalistic about contracting chikungunya. A survey done on victims revealed they are under the impression the virus was deliberately set upon them by businessmen in order to make a profit, or the virus is being used to manipulate them for social and political gain.

Dr. Jean-Luc Poncelete, a representative of the Pan American Health Organization, says trying to convince segments of the Haitian population the virus is transmitted by a carrier is frustrating due to their superstitious natures that conveniently ignore facts.

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Read more: Haitian Population, Overpopulation, chikungunya, Health

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