The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition has confirmed the first case of Chikungunya virus in Saint Lucia since 2021, as health officials intensify surveillance and mosquito control efforts to prevent further spread.
National Epidemiologist Dr Michelle Francois said the case represents the first laboratory-confirmed infection reported on the island in several years.
“The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition informs the public of a confirmed case of chikungunya virus in Saint Lucia. This represents the first laboratory-confirmed chikungunya case reported in Saint Lucia since 2021,” Dr Francois stated.
According to the Ministry, the affected individual was hospitalized for four days and received supportive medical care.
“He showed clinical improvement and has since been discharged home in stable condition, having made a full recovery,” Dr Francois explained.
She added that no additional cases have been detected so far.
“At this time, no additional cases have been identified in country. Our public health teams are actively investigating and implementing measures to prevent further spread of the chikungunya virus.”
Health officials say surveillance activities have been strengthened across the island to quickly detect any further infections.
“Surveillance has been enhanced to detect and respond to additional cases and vector control operations are underway to reduce mosquito populations in affected areas,” Dr Francois said.
She also noted that healthcare providers have been alerted to the situation.
“Healthcare providers have also been alerted to identify and report suspected cases promptly.”
The Ministry of Health has also warned that Saint Lucia remains vulnerable to additional cases as outbreaks have recently been recorded elsewhere in the region.
“The Ministry of Health notes that several countries within the Caribbean and the wider Americas have recently reported increases in chikungunya activity with confirmed outbreaks in parts of the region,” Dr Francois stated.
“Given the movement of people between territories and the presence of the Aedes mosquito locally, Saint Lucia remains at risk for additional cases.”
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are also responsible for spreading dengue and Zika viruses.
“Chikungunya virus is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that transmit dengue and Zika viruses,” Dr Francois explained.
Health officials say the most common symptoms of the illness include fever, severe joint pain, headache, muscle pain, and rash.
“While most people recover fully, joint pain may persist for weeks or months in some cases,” she added.
Testing for the virus is available locally, and the Ministry is urging anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention.
“Testing for chikungunya virus is available in St Lucia and the Ministry of Health urges anyone who may be experiencing signs and symptoms to seek care at the nearest community wellness center,” Dr Francois said.
The Ministry is continuing its public health response while encouraging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes and take precautions to reduce mosquito breeding sites.