Date:20/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/20/stories/2008012051462000.htm

Front Page

Looming fever threat

HANOI/JAKARTA: Chikungunya, the severe achy-joint fever that spreads in Asia via mosquitoes, could easily reach more countries in the region and take hold in Europe and the U.S., World Health Organisation experts have warned.

Chikungunya is now ravaging parts of Indonesia, leaving people with rashes, vomiting, headaches and joint pain so intense it is often too painful for them to sit or stand. “It’s enormously disruptive... the outbreaks are very abrupt and intense,” said an expert. — AP