Health officials have urged people to ensure their prevention from mosquito bites as summer is approaching. Rise in temperature will bring mosquitoes, as also a new virus that is troubling the US. The virus is called Chikungunya and no cure has been yet developed for the condition.

People who suffer from the disease experience severe joint pain in the body along with headaches and fevers. Also, it has the potential to leave the victim unable to walk.

The disease was first found in Africa and migrated to the US from the Caribbean. North Carolina was the first US state to report the case of Chikungunya.

Officials have advised people to drain water from their garbage cans and gutters and cover their skin by wearing loose clothing. Wearing shoes, socks and long pants can be a significant help to avoid bites from mosquitoes carrying the debilitating disease.

Residents of Pinellas County have been warned by health officials to stay aware of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus. The warning is genuine because the virus has made its way from the Caribbean in Africa, Asia and islands in the Indian Ocean.

At least 18 cases of imported Chikungunya have been confirmed in Florida as of now by the Florida Department of Public Health.