Dengue and chikungunya are not new to our countrymen, are they? We are well aware of these mosquito-borne diseases, and we are also very afraid of them. But have you heard of another viral fever that is also transmitted by mosquitoes, but is not so well known in our country? It is called Mayaro fever. It is very important to be aware of this, especially if you are traveling to countries like South America and Central America.
What exactly is Mayaro Virus?
Simply put, Mayaro is a mosquito-borne virus. We call these types of viruses ``(arbovirus)``. It is mainly found in the rainforests of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. This virus is usually found between monkeys and mosquitoes. People who go to the jungle are infected with this virus when they are bitten by a mosquito that is infected with the virus.
It is named Mayaro after the Mayaro area in Trinidad where it was first identified. Currently, the most cases are reported from Brazil. Apart from that, this disease can also be seen in countries like Bolivia, Peru, and Venezuela.
Imagine, the main mosquito species that transmits this virus is the `(Haemagogus)` mosquito. But the problem is, the `(Aedes aegypti)` and `(Aedes albopictus)` mosquitoes that transmit dengue in our country can also transmit this virus. That means, if a person who has returned from a country with the Mayaro virus is bitten by a dengue mosquito in our country, that mosquito can spread this disease to others in our country. This is the biggest risk we face.
There is good news. This Mayaro virus is very similar to the chikungunya virus. Therefore, if you have had chikungunya before, the antibodies in your body may provide some protection against the Mayaro virus.
What are the symptoms of Mayaro disease?
The symptoms of Mayaro are actually very similar to other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya, so it can be difficult to immediately tell what the disease is.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Sudden high fever | The disease begins with a high fever. |
| Severe joint pain (arthralgia) | This is the main and most severe symptom of Mayaro. Small joints, especially those in the fingers, wrists, ankles, and toes, become extremely painful. Sometimes the joints may also swell. |
| Other features | Symptoms such as body aches, pain under the eyes, chills, dizziness, skin rash, swollen glands, and itchy skin may also be seen. |
These symptoms usually subside within a few days or weeks. However, the most severe problem is the joint pain . For some people, this joint pain can last for months, even a year. It can make it difficult to perform daily activities .
But remember, unlike dengue hemorrhagic fever, this disease does not cause severe complications such as brain swelling (encephalitis) or bleeding. Also, there are no deaths reported from this disease.
What are the treatments for this?
If you develop any of the symptoms listed above after traveling to a country with the Mayaro virus, see your doctor immediately. Symptoms can appear anywhere from one to 14 days after being bitten by a mosquito.
Because these symptoms are similar to diseases like dengue and chikungunya, a blood test may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
There is no specific treatment for Mayaro fever yet. The doctor will only give you medication to control the fever, body aches , and joint pain. If the symptoms are severe, you may be hospitalized.
How do you stay safe from mosquitoes?
Since there is no specific treatment for this disease, the best thing we can do is to prevent the disease from developing. That means protecting ourselves from mosquito bites. Be very careful about these things, especially if you are traveling to a country where this disease is prevalent.
| Safe method | What to do |
|---|---|
| Clothing | When going outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to cover as much of your body as possible. |
| Mosquito repellents | Apply a mosquito repellent containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin on your body. |
| Treating clothes | Apply an insecticide such as 0.5% permethrin to your clothing, mosquito nets, and camping gear. This will help repel mosquitoes. |
| Home and accommodation | Install screens on doors and windows. Use a mosquito net when sleeping, especially if the room is not screened. Place the mosquito net under the mattress. |
By following these safety measures, you can protect yourself not only from Mayaro, but also from a host of other dangerous mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and Zika.
Take-Home Message
- Mayaro is a viral fever transmitted by mosquitoes, like dengue and chikungunya.
- The main symptoms are high fever and severe joint pain that can last for months.
- There is no specific treatment for this disease. Only the symptoms are treated.
- Protection from mosquito bites is essential, especially if traveling to countries like South/Central America.
- If you develop a fever and joint pain after visiting such an area, contact your doctor immediately and inform them of your trip.
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