Disease

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – update

On 2 May 2014, the National IHR Focal Point for the United States of America notified WHO about the first laboratory confirmed case of MERS-CoV infection in the United States.

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – update

On 19 May 2014, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China notified WHO of 4 additional laboratory confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

Chikungunya Virus Spreads in Caribbean Islands

Thousands of people in the Caribbean are becoming sick with a virus called chikungunya, which causes debilitating fever and severe joint pain, according to news reports.

The chikungunya virus was once confined to Africa and Asia, but was brought into the Americas likely by an infected traveler in December. Since then, more than 51,000 suspected and nearly 5,000 confirmed cases of infection have occurred throughout the Caribbean Islands, according to The Pan American Health Organization.

Public health officials say they expect the virus reach the United States this summer given the large number of people traveling between the U.S. and the Caribbean.

The virus is transmitted to people by mosquito bites, and can be prevented by covering the skin and using mosquito repellents. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years, according to the World Health Organization.