Chikungunya continues to spread in Latin America and the Caribbean

Since the chikungunya fever virus was first detected in late 2013/early 2014 in the western hemisphere, it has spread widely throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, including many tourist destinations. Although almost all countries have reported cases of this virus, the most affected nations include:

• Dominican Republic – 539,144
• Colombia – 285,306 (Most affected departments are Norte de Santander, Cundinamarca, Huila, Tolima, Sucre, Atlantico, and Bolivar.)
• El Salvador – 145,809
• Guatemala – 31,463
• Puerto Rico – 27,095
• Honduras - 22,883 (Cortez Department now reporting many cases)
• French Guiana - 14,460
• Ecuador – 3,516 (Most affected provinces include Esmeralda and Manabi.)

The USA has reported over 2,500 cases, nearly all of whom acquired their infections while travelling to tourist destinations.

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.