TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — Health authorities in Samar are closely monitoring a surge in suspected chikungunya infections after cases climbed to 225, affecting three municipalities and prompting intensified surveillance and mosquito control measures.
Data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed that Basey recorded the highest number of suspected cases with 124, followed by Gandara with 98, and Paranas with three.
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes—the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and Zika. While the disease is rarely fatal, it can cause debilitating joint pain that may persist for weeks or even months.
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To confirm the outbreak, the PHO has sent 12 blood samples—six each from Basey and Gandara—to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for laboratory testing. Results are expected within two to three weeks.FEATURED STORIES
