The chikungunya virus was previously only found in certain parts of the world, but the virus is currently spreading across the globe, according to VOA News.
Here are seven things to know about the virus:
1. The name, chikungunya, translates to "to walk bent over" to describe the individuals suffering from the disease.
2. Initial symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as fever, head and muscle pain. Some individuals exhibit a skin condition and extreme pain as well as swelling in the joints of the hands and feet.
3. Scott Weaver, MD, director of the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity at the University of Texas, explains the swelling of the joints leave people severely incapacitated with some people experiencing this joint pain for months or even years.
4. The number of fatal cases is minimal with only one in 1,000 people succumbing to the virus. Yet, the virus is considered dangerous due to its ability to incapacitate individuals for extended periods of times.
5. Rather than staying contained in its place of origin, Africa, the virus is mutating and therefore is spreading across the world.
6. The United States Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention advises travelers to the Caribbean Sea area and Central and South America to take appropriate measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
7. Eight South American countries have reported cases as of February 2015. The countries include Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana Paraguay, Suriname and Venezuela.
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