A rapidly spreading mosquito-borne virus from the Caribbean has been detected in the U.S. The Providence Journal reports that Rhode Island public health officials have confirmed the first two cases of chikungunya in travelers who had recently been to the Dominican Republic. They returned on May 27 and 29, and other possible cases are being investigated.

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes chikungunya as a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Since it shares some clinical symptoms with dengue fever, it can be confused with and misdiagnosed as dengue.

Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints. Serious complications are not common, but in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death.

Since the first case transmitted locally within the Caribbean was documented in December, there have been more than 135,000 cases suspected and confirmed in the region. The disease has been identified in 40 countries around the world. Generally, chikungunya has been found in Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, reaching epidemic proportions in 2004.

Currently, there is no vaccination and the main treatments are for pain and symptom alleviation. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best method is prevention of mosquito bites. The CDC suggests covering skin and using insect repellants to minimize mosquito bites and potential exposure to chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases.