Chikungunya fever virus is widespread in Latin America and the Caribbean

The following countries continue to report cases of chikungunya fever:

• Mexico – almost 2,000 cases; in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region, Oaxaca state, approximately 70% of the population is affected.
• Honduras - in the Hospital Escuela Universitario, approximately 60 people are treated every day for this infection
• El Salvador – slightly more than 14,000 cases
• Panama
• French Guiana – almost 8,000 cases
• Puerto Rico
• Colombia – 273,700 cases nationwide
• Ecuador – more than 16,000 cases
• Peru – the Tumbes region is reporting cases
• Argentina - sporadic cases
• Paraguay – almost 2,500 cases nationwide
• Brazil – virus is spreading steadily from Bahia to other states.

USA – 177 cases in 31 states in returning travellers so far this year. In 2014, there were 2,781 cases, many of whom acquired their infections in tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

Advice

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.