20 Mar 2015

French Polynesia chikungunya outbreak over

7:11 am on 20 March 2015

The French Polynesian government says the chikungunya outbreak that affected about two thirds of the population is now over.

The outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease, which began in October, has claimed 16 lives and prompted about 70,000 people to seek medical care.

Health authorities say many more people didn't consult a doctor as the only cure is to take paracetamol and rest.

The outbreak spread to all archipelagos and while some people are still getting infected, their numbers is fewer than five per 10,000.

Although a second infection is not possible, many people have recurring symptoms of severe joint pains and fever that can be repeated for years.

The public is still being advised to eliminate mosquito breeding places as to stop other diseases, such a dengue.

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Photo: AFP