The Department of Health has confirmed the first case of chikungunya in Bermuda, but said that there has been no local spread of the virus reported.

Chikungunya — a disease spread by mosquito bites — can cause severe joint pain, high fever, rashes and aches, but infections are rarely fatal.

According to a spokeswoman for the department, the patient diagnosed with the virus was previously known by the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit at the Department of Health to be a suspected case and received instruction on avoiding mosquito bites to prevent local spread of the illness.

“Additionally, a referral was sent to Vector Control to increase surveillance and put in place control measures in the area,” the spokeswoman said. “To date, no local spread of the virus has been reported in the Bermuda, though imported cases make local spread possible because the mosquitoes that can transmit the virus are found in Bermuda.

“With frequent travel between Bermuda and affected areas in the Caribbean, the Department of Health continues to work with healthcare providers and other regional public health partners to monitor possible imported cases.

“The Department of Health wishes to take this opportunity to remind the public that the chikungunya outbreak continues to affect the Caribbean and reiterates the need to reduce mosquitoes locally. Bermuda experienced a record-breaking 14 inches of rainfall in August 2014 which means there are likely to be containers of accumulated rainwater around people’s homes, providing breeding sites for mosquitoes, and which need to be checked and emptied out diligently on a weekly basis. “

Since last December, the World Health Organisation has received reports of the virus on several Caribbean islands, with a total of 9,460 confirmed or probable cases recorded in the region. There is no vaccine or treatment for the virus, but apart from some who experience longer-term joint pain, patents usually feel better after around a week.

Those travelling to the Caribbean are advised to use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants and securing doors or windows while inside to keep mosquitoes out. They are also advised to monitor their health for two weeks after returning and seek medical attention if they begin to suffer fevers, joint pain or rashes.

“Director of the Department of Health David Kendell added: “Bermuda is not isolated or removed from international outbreaks of disease and we all have a part to play in keeping Bermuda Healthy.”