Cases of chikungunya are reported by Mexico, Belize and other countries.

Cases of chikungunya are being reported by Mexico and Belize, as well as other temperate and tropical countries in the western hemisphere.

In Mexico (4,570 cases nationwide), the states of Chihuahua, Veracruz, Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan are affected. El Salvador and Honduras continue to report large numbers of cases, 36,140 cases and almost 72,000 cases, respectively.

In South America, Colombia (323,603 cases and 44 deaths), Ecuador (almost 28,500 cases and 2 deaths) and Venezuela (14,340 cases) are also affected. In Brazil, cases are being reported in the states Ceará, Pernambuco, and Mato Grosso do Sul.

Advice

Chikungunya virus is now widespread in Central America, the Caribbean islands and South America, as far as northern Argentina. 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. There may be many more cases in the community that are not reported. Chikungunya virus infections may have long lasting health consequences.