Chikungunya in the Americas

The following countries are reporting cases of chikungunya fever:

• Mexico (national) - 7,413 cases
• Belize
• Brazil:
• • Itajai, Santa Catarina state
• • Avare, Sao Paulo state
• • Sergipe state
• Colombia (national) - major epidemic with approximately 439,000 cases and 55 deaths in 712 municipalities
• French Guiana - approximately 8,500 suspected and confirmed cases
• Nicaragua - 47,500 suspected and confirmed cases with 1 death
• Peru (national) - approximately 150 cases
• Puerto Rico - more than 800 cases
• Venezuela - approximately 15,000 cases

Advice

The chikungunya virus is widespread in Latin America and the Caribbean, including tourist destinations. 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.