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I have been following this story since it was first reported last year - mainly because I am going down to the BVI's in June with a group of charterers. I'll be serving as captain, and I thought it my responsibility to report to them on the problem. I also wondered if anyone on Sailnet had mentioned it and a search of all forums found nothing. So, in case you don't have enough to worry about, I introduce you to Chikungunya.
What is Chikungunya? A dengue fever like virus straight from Africa. The first article I saw was from AP and can be found here. The virus was first reported in St. Martin and since has spread to multiple Caribbean Islands including the Dominican Republic, It is making a quick march to the USA and Bahamas. It is just a matter of time before it is in Florida. The CDC reported the spread in its latest travel alert in April of this year. You can see what they have to say here.
So what does this have to do with sailing? Plenty, if you are going to charter or you are cruising the area. Heed the CDC warnings to protect yourself.
What is Chikungunya? A dengue fever like virus straight from Africa. The first article I saw was from AP and can be found here. The virus was first reported in St. Martin and since has spread to multiple Caribbean Islands including the Dominican Republic, It is making a quick march to the USA and Bahamas. It is just a matter of time before it is in Florida. The CDC reported the spread in its latest travel alert in April of this year. You can see what they have to say here.
So what does this have to do with sailing? Plenty, if you are going to charter or you are cruising the area. Heed the CDC warnings to protect yourself.