Key Development: Emergence of the Chikungunya virus in the Caribbean region on Saint Martin. Update as of December 11, 2013.

Two cases of locally acquired Chikungunya virus infection on the island of Saint Martin were confirmed on December 5, 2013, by the National Reference Center for Arboviruses (IRBA, HIA Laveran, Marseille). This marks the first confirmed circulation of this virus in the Americas-Caribbean region. Epidemiological investigations conducted by the Cire Antilles-Guyane and the ARS Guadeloupe have documented the circulation of the virus on the French part of the island. As of December 11, 2013, 50 to 80 suspected cases and 14 probable or confirmed cases had been identified. These cases are primarily located in the Oyster Pond neighborhood, but several cases have also been reported in other neighborhoods. Additionally, a dengue outbreak has been ongoing in Saint Martin since January 2013. Dengue outbreaks are also occurring in Saint-Barthélemy, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Vector control measures implemented on the island of Saint Martin in response to the dengue outbreak have been strengthened. Given the potential for the disease to spread, active surveillance for chikungunya cases has been established on the territory of Saint Martin. Additionally, surveillance targeting this virus has been established on the territories of Saint Barthélemy, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Health authorities in the French and Dutch parts of the island are actively collaborating on surveillance and the implementation of control measures.Symptoms include high fever and headaches, along with severe joint pain (ankles, wrists) that can persist for several weeks. They typically appear 4 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.