Chikungunya transmission in the Caribbean

People infected with the chikungunya fever virus are being reported by Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico and Saint Martin. Although reports from other Caribbean nations are not up-to-date, it is likely that this virus is being transmitted elsewhere in the Caribbean.

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.