WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature has issued a public advisory as part of its ongoing mosquito control efforts, following reports of confirmed Chikungunya cases in several countries in the region.
Health authorities noted that recent information from Suriname indicates detected cases of the mosquito-borne disease. At this time, there are no indications of Chikungunya cases in Curaçao. However, the ministry stressed that preventive measures are necessary to reduce the risk of local transmission.
Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika are well known in the region and remain a constant concern due to the presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in Curaçao’s climate and is capable of transmitting these viruses.
According to the ministry, the most effective way to prevent these diseases is to avoid mosquito bites. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is most active during early morning and late afternoon hours. Residents who cannot avoid being outdoors during these periods are advised to wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves and long pants, and to apply insect repellent to exposed skin, following the instructions on the product label.
Additional precautions are recommended for individuals with limited mobility, such as bedridden patients, wheelchair users, and infants. The ministry advises the use of mosquito nets when sleeping and the installation of screens or mesh curtains on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
The preventive guidelines also apply to travelers visiting countries in the region, including Suriname, where Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses are currently active. Individuals returning to Curaçao who feel unwell after travel are advised to contact their family doctor by phone and report their symptoms.
Symptoms associated with these diseases may include sudden high fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius, joint pain, headache, lower back pain, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
The ministry emphasized that mosquito control is a shared responsibility and called on all residents to remain informed and take personal responsibility for protecting their health. Through the Public Health Vector Control Department, preventive activities will continue across all neighborhoods on the island.
Informational brochures in multiple languages, along with posters, are available digitally on the government website at www.gobiernu.cw. For further information, residents can contact the hotline via phone or WhatsApp at +5999 527 0854.
The government stated that it will continue to closely monitor the situation and will inform the community promptly should further action be required.
