The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7403 p649
3 June 2006

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Imported cases of chikungunya infection in UK increasing

An increase of imported cases of chikungunya infection in the UK has been highlighted by the Health Protection Agency.

The viral infection, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs mainly in Africa and Asia. The HPA says illness characteristically begins with rapid onset of joint pains and may be accompanied by muscle pain, high fever, conjunctivitis and a rash. There is no antiviral agent against chikungunya, but symptomatic treatment may be beneficial.

The HPA requests that suspected cases are reported to its Specials Pathogens Reference Unit