Ministry of Health urges public vigilance as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika circulates

Government of Saint Lucia

Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses are transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and are currently circulating in the Caribbean. Early symptoms of these illnesses include fever, headaches, and flu-like body ache

Chikungunya has an incubation period of 3–7 days and causes joint pain and morning stiffness, often accompanied by a maculopapular rash. Severe cases may lead to brain inflammation, heart and lung failure, kidney failure, or death, especially in older adults or those with chronic conditions.

Zika’s incubation period is 2–14 days and can cause fever, an itchy rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. It is linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome and, in pregnant women, can cause congenital microcephaly and fetal loss.