epidemic

Chikungunya in Jamaica – Public Health Effects and Clinical Features in Children

Issue:

Vol 5 Issue 1 (2018)

DOI:

10.7727/wimjopen.2016.529

Pages:

18-24

Synopsis:

The Chikungunya fever epidemic had significant public health and economic impact in Jamaica. In children, there were characteristic presentations in neonates and young infants and in children six months to six years. Neurologic involvement was common but other organ dysfunction was rare.

Background: Chikungunya virus entered the Caribbean for the first time in 2013 and Jamaica experienced its maiden epidemic with Chikungunya fever in 2014. We aimed to describe the public health effects and describe the clinical features in children and adolescents in Jamaica.

Received:

October 24, 2016

Accepted:

October 26, 2016

Published:

May 2, 2018

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WIMJO_Iss1_2018_18_24.pdf

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Emergence of Zika Virus Epidemic and the National Response in Jamaica

Issue:

Vol 5 Issue 1 (2018)

DOI:

10.7727/wimjopen.2016.488

Pages:

5-11

Synopsis:

The Zika virus epidemic in Jamaica is evolving and includes cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome and reports in pregnant women. Zika may become endemic in Jamaica, similar to dengue and Chikungunya. Safe and effective Dengue, Chikungunya fever and ZIKV vaccines are needed to mitigate the devastating effects of these three diseases.

Background: Jamaica, along with the Americas, experienced major epidemics of arboviral diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito in recent years. These include: Dengue fever in 2012, Chikungunya fever in 2014 and Zika virus infection (ZIKV) in 2016. We present the emergence of the ZIKV epidemic in Jamaica and outline the national response.

Received:

August 19, 2016