BPHC: 4 cases of chikungunya confirmed in Boston residents

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Four cases of chikungunya were confirmed in Boston residents Saturday.

A Boston Public Health Commission official reported four confirmed cases of chikungunya, a viral disease you get from infected mosquitoes, in Boston residents. Symptoms usually occur three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, according to the CDC.

Fever and joint pain are the most common symptoms, but some experience headaches, muscle pain, joint swelling, or a rash. Although the disease does "not often result in death," the symptoms can "disabling." Most infected with the virus feel better over the course of seven days, but some have reported symptoms that lasted months, the CDC reported. Infants and seniors are more at risk as well as people with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease.

"Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections," the CDC reported.

If you were bitten by a mosquito and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, see your doctor right away.

Cox Media Group