The first confirmed case of chikungunya fever has been diagnosed in a male tourist, who is believed to have contracted the virus in the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Health advised over the weekend.

The visitor traveled to The Bahamas from the Dominican Republic on June 29, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health. "His symptoms reportedly began the day before travel to The Bahamas," the statement said.

"He was seen at the Princess Margaret Hospital on June 20 and was subsequently tested.

A confirmed positive test was received on July 4." The Ministry of Health said the patient has been treated and is recovering well.

Chikungunya is an illness caused by a virus that spreads through the bite of an Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which is found throughout The Bahamas.

The particular mosquito is known to transmit other diseases such as dengue, which affected more than 1,500 residents in 2011. Since December 2013, the chikungunya virus has spread throughout the Caribbean.

According to the Ministry of Health, 22 countries in the Caribbean have reported cases.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a level-one watch on parts of the Caribbean and is advising travelers to "practice usual precautions".

According to the CDC's Traveler's Health, the first Caribbean case was reported in Saint Martin. The CDC has recommended that travelers protect themselves from mosquito bites.

The Ministry of Health said chikungunya can affect people of all ages. Symptoms include high fever and severe joint pains in the hands and feet, which can persist for several weeks. Other symptoms include muscle pain and joint swelling and rash.

Chikungunya disease rarely results in death, however the CDC said the symptoms can be severe and disabling.

Symptoms usually appear three to five days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

The Ministry of Health said treatment for the fever includes rest and the use of pain relievers such as Panadol, Tylenol or Calpol and plenty of fluids.

Aspirin is not recommended. The Ministry of Health is also advising residents to avoid mosquito bites to help prevent the further spread of the virus.

Prevention measures include protecting domestic water containers, such as buckets and barrels, and discarding old tires and containers that collect water.

The use of mosquito repellants is also recommended. For more information on the fever, residents can contact the Surveillance Unit at the Department of Public Health at 502-4790 or 502-4776.

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