While dengue fever continues to plague many provinces and cities nationwide, scientists have discovered a new fever with similar symptoms that is difficult to diagnose and treat.

The new fever is caused by the Chikungunya virus, which is believed to be transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito or forest-day mosquito (Aedes albopictus), said the Health Ministry's Department of Preventive Medicine deputy head Dr Vu Sinh Nam.

This kind of mosquito is characterised by its black and white striped legs and small black and white body.

The diseases symptoms include high fevers between 38-39 degrees Celsius, rash, muscle pain and sore eyes.

Scientists have only been able to find the virus from patient's samples, but not from the source, said National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology head Nguyen Tran Hien.

The disease is not considered to be as serious as dengue fever, but the virus has caused fatalities in other countries. - VNS

From Vietnamnews