65 Vizcaya folks suspected with chikungunya virus

By Freddie G. Lazaro

BAGABAG, Nueva Vizcaya – At least 65 people are feared to have contracted the dreaded chikungunya virus in this town, local health authorities said Monday.

Dr. Napoleon Logan, municipal health officer of Bagabag, said the patients who came from four barangays of the town have manifested the symptoms of the mosquito-borne disease such as fever and skin rashes.

Logan said the 65 have already undergone blood testing to confirm whether or not they have contracted the virus.

The patients are still awaiting the results of the blood exam from the Department of Health (DOH) laboratory.

Meanwhile, Logan has been coordinating with barangay officials of Bagabag to conduct a massive clean- up drive aimed at eradicating mosquitoes in the area that may be carrying the chikungunya virus.

“I also advised the local residents to strengthen their body resistance to prevent the infestation of any disease – causal micro-organisms,” he said.

Based on records from the World Health Organization (WHO), chikungunya is a type of viral disease caused by the mosquito bites that also spread the dengue virus.