Chikungunya Fever Outbreak in West Java, Indonesia

Approximately 38 people in the district of Bojongpicung have been diagnosed with chikungunya fever. Some patients experienced temporary paralysis, especially in children.

Advice

While the risk of exposure for travellers may vary from place to place, it may be high in some localities. All travellers to areas where chikungunya fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure to this virus by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with chikungunya fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. This may account for the low numbers of reported cases in many countries. There may be many more cases in the community that are not reported. Chikungunya virus infections may have long lasting health consequences with joint pains lasting almost 2 years after the initial infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a vaccine (Ixchiq) for individuals 18 years of age and older who are at increased risk of exposure to chikungunya virus.

Travellers are reminded that the mosquito that transmits chikungunya fever may also transmit dengue fever and Zika virus.