The United States and Europe face a new health threat from a mosquito-borne disease far more unpleasant than the West Nile virus that swept into North America a decade ago, a U.S. expert said on Friday.
Chikungunya virus has spread beyond Africa since 2005, causing outbreaks and scores of fatalities in India and the French island of Reunion. It also has been detected in Italy, where it has begun to spread locally, as well as France.
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Here in the Southeast a mild and wet summer has been a very good environment for an already thriving mosquito population. Take extra precaution, ridding your yard and neighborhood of standing water in unused pools, pet bowls,clogged gutters, toys and tires. Use insecticides when appropriate, burn citronella candles when out doors. Make sure children are protected.