Chick-V memories spark COVID-19 fears
Persons who have felt the sting of the Chikungunya (chik-V) virus a while back, told THE WEEKEND STAR that they are not taking any chances with COVID-19. They have been safeguarding themselves from the deadly virus, in fear that their bodies will not be able to manage another attack.
In 2014, Jamaica recorded a total of 5,180 cases of chik-V, with 14 deaths suspected to have been related to the virus.
It is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes . The symptoms included high fever, severe joint pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Leon Martin, who suffered severely form chik-V for two weeks, told THE WEEKEND STAR that he wouldn’t want to imagine himself contracting another virus, especially COVID-19.
“Me foot dem did swell and shine. All me joint dem. Me couldn’t walk, me afi crawl pon me knee. Me afi use stick and barely scramble, like old people. Me not even coulda drive, that’s how bad it affect me. Right now, I wouldn’t want dream seh me go back there, so me afi be careful,” he said. “Right now, dis corona come fi kill more than anything else. It worse than chik-V. So fi deh pan the safe side. Everybody fi just stay in, because once you a rub up on people, a it dat. And it nuh easy.”
NO TREATMENT TO BUILD IMMUNITY
Scientists still haven’t found any specific treatment to build up immunity against either of the diseases.
Toni-Gaye Donaldson said that based on her experience from contracting chik-V, she can’t help but fear the potential damages of COVID-19.
“Ever since I got chik-V, I still have random ankle pains which is terrible. I definitely can’t allow myself to get another virus. My friend also lost one of his parents to chik-V because he had an underlying heart condition,” she said. “Now, I’m not only thinking about myself, but also my mother because she is diabetic. So I just make sure everything is sanitise, and I stay away from people as much as possible.”
Daina Wilson, 22, said that chik-V affected her entire household, and her family now has its armour up to keep out COVID-19.
“We were all weak and bedridden. As it relates to corona and wanting to be in that position again, we try to avoid human contact. We don’t have family over anymore; a phone call will suffice,” Wilson said.