Many of you I know do not get the Boston Globe or most of us who do, never have enough time to read it carefully. So I am paraphrasing an article from this week on Chikungunya. Pronounced chick-un-GOON-ya. So what is this big name? It is an innocuous mosquito bite often not even noticed. Four or five mornings later, the aching sets in. A reddish rash can spread over arms, legs and face. Fever spikes, and some patients complain of headaches. This all can be most uncomfortable but not lethal. For a very few, the symptoms last for weeks.
So why am I writing about this mosquito bite? Well many of you will be going into warm climates this winter where mosquitoes live in wet, fresh water sources. Luckily for beach-goers, the mosquitoes do not like bright sunlight. So lying on the beach should be safe. If you intend to play golf or walk in a rain forest, you will need protection. Long sleeves and bug spray is highly recommended. The best bug repellent needs a DEET concentration of 25 – 30 percent. Currently, there is no vaccine. If you do have any of these symptoms, especially a fever, do see your doctor or ideally a travel specialist right away and do call attention to your recent trip.
Meanwhile, sit is the sun with lots of sunblock and enjoy your holiday. If you have not planned that holiday, you need to do so right away!
Peace be with you all, Harriet
AlwaysHarriet 