MANILA (UPDATE 2) — The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a rise in Chikungunya cases in the Philippines, with 2,854 cases recorded from January to November 25, 2023, according to a recent surveillance report.

This marks a 381 percent increase from the 593 cases reported during the same period in 2022, the DOH data showed.

The regions most affected by Chikungunya include the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with 1,144 cases, MIMAROPA with 457 cases, Region II with 377 cases, and Region I with 371 cases.

But based on the latest agency data, cases of Chikungunya have decreased in the past 3 to 4 weeks, from 116 cases from November 5 to 18 to 57 cases from November 19 to December 2.

No deaths associated with Chikungunya were also recorded in the country.

"Isa po yan sa mino-monitor natin sapagkat noong Pebrero, nag-report ng biglang pagtaas ng kaso ng Chikungunya sa South America at umabot na sa ibang bansa dahil sa travel... Pag-uulan ang isang dahilan bakit dumami ang mga kaso ng chikungunya pati nang dengue," said DOH Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag.

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Chikungunya, a virus similar to dengue, can be acquired through a bite of an infected mosquito. It gets its name from a word in Tanzania and Mozambique that means "to become contorted." This describes the bent posture of people with severe joint pain, which is different from dengue.

Other symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and rash. Symptoms appear between four and seven days after the patient has been bitten by the infected mosquito.

"Pag nagkaroon ka ng Chikungunya 'di na mauulit 'yan... Katulad ng dengue, mataas po yung ang lagnat. Subalit ang kaibahan sa dengue ay malala po yung pantal, buong katawan halos ay nagkakaroon ng pantal. Ang pananakit ng kasukasuhan... ay mahirap ng pagbangon," Tayag said.

Tayag also urged the public not to be alarmed as Chikungunya is not life-threatening.

"Sa Chikungunya ay very rare po ang maaaring mamatay... 'Yan ay oobserbahan mo lang so magpapagaling ka sa bahay. 'Yung iba gumagawa ng ibang pamamaraan para maibsan yung kanilang joint pains, kasama na d'yan yung masahe," he said.

"Sa atin ang Chikungunya... ay matatawag nating endemic sa ating bansa. Ibig sabihin ay palagian tayong meron niya," he added.

The DOH said misdiagnosis is possible, given the overlapping clinical signs with dengue, particularly in areas where dengue is prevalent—potentially leading to an underreporting of Chikungunya cases.

According to the DOH website, the last significant spike in Chikungunya cases in the Philippines coincided with Tropical Storm Sendong in 2011, leading to outbreaks in Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

According to DOH, Chikungunya, as well as dengue, can be prevented through the 5S Strategy:

• Search and destroy breeding grounds for mosquitoes such as old tires, blocked drains, and containers with water

• Self-protection measures like wearing long sleeves and using mosquito repellent

• Seek early consultation with a doctor if experiencing symptoms

• Support fogging in areas with high cases

• Sustain hydration or adequate water intake

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