PERMANENT secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Kevin Harvey is recommending mild exercise for people who are recovering from chikungunya (CHIKV) infection, to assist with easing joint pain. He said, depending on the severity of the joint pains, some people may also need physiotherapy.

“In a majority of the patients, symptoms resolve in one to three weeks. However, some patients might have relapse of joint-related symptoms in the months following the illness,” he said. “Mild forms of exercise and physiotherapy are recommended in recovering persons.”

Dr Harvey added that while most CHIKV infections completely resolve within weeks or months, there have been documented cases of CHIKV-induced joint pains persisting for several years.

“Paracetamol or acetaminophen is the initial drug of choice until other illnesses like dengue are ruled out. Other stronger pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids such as those containing codeine can be used during relapse or prolonged pain. Aspirin should still be avoided,” the permanent secretary advised.

The most common symptoms of chikungunya include high fever; joint pain mainly in the ankles, toes, fingers, elbows, wrists, and knees; headache; muscle pain; and a rash which may last up to 10 days. Other symptoms reported with CHIKV infection include back pain, chills, weakness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

The Ministry of Health last week reported that all parishes are now impacted by chikungunya, with increasing numbers being seen in the western part of the island. The Health Ministry also reported that there has been a significant decline in new cases in the eastern parishes including St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew and St Catherine.