Lindsay Lohan battled chikungunya on the New Year

Actress Lindsay Lohan had a slightly different New Year’s celebration last week compared to other celebrities; the 28-year-old star was vacationing in French Polynesia when she became ill with chikungunya.

After posting a photo of herself and friends enjoying the beaches to social media, Lohan commented, “In good faith with good people. I refuse to let a virus effect my peaceful vacation. be safe and happy on the new year all #wildfox and a positive, healthy new year. Before I got Chikungunya. Use [bug] spray please.”

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Chikungunya is a viral disease spread through an infected mosquito bite. The illness is well-known in Latin America and other tropical regions, and the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates 40 countries have on-going issues with chikungunya. Though rarely fatal, the illness causes severe–often debilitating–join pain and inflammation, accompanied by a fever, fatigue and muscle pain.

Without proper or timely treatment, joint issues related to chikungunya can persist for years or become a reason for major disability later in life.

“The name chikungunya originates from a verb in the Kimakonde language, meaning ‘to become contorted’. This refers to the ‘stooped’ appearance of those suffering with joint pain,” explain materials from WHO. “Symptoms are generally self-limiting and last for 2–3 days. The virus remains in the human system for 5-7 days and mosquitoes feeding on an infected person during this period can also become infected. Chikungunya shares some clinical signs with dengue and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common.”

While no other reports on Lohan’s illness have surfaced, the actress’s last illness-related Tweet indicated she was still sick at the beginning of the New Year week. In a Tweet last Monday she told followers that “being sick is no fun. But Happy New Year everyone.”

Last year the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a health alert for travelers heading to Latin America and the Caribbean, explaining an outbreak of chikungunya was spreading through those regions. The CDC advised people discuss their travel plans with their physicians, especially if the patient was pregnant, over the age of 65, had pre-existing arthritis issues, or had a serious underlying medical condition, like diabetes.

“CDC recommends that travelers to the Caribbean protect themselves from mosquito bites. Some travelers may be more likely to get chikungunya, have severe disease, or be at higher risk for other reasons.,” explained the agency. “There is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent chikungunya. The only way to prevent chikungunya is to prevent mosquito bites. Preventing bites can be difficult, but it is important as you can get sick after just one bite.”

SEE ALSO: New hope for prevention of chikungunya virus?

While her Twitter feed suggests Lohan was still out and about enjoying her vacation, experts advise people who catch chikungunya remain isolated from areas where they may once again be bitten by a mosquito. This isn’t for the sake of that individual; the reason for avoiding exposure is because people with chikungunya can spread the disease for 5-7 days post-infection.

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