Chikungunya virus infections in many Latin American and Caribbean countries - update

Chikungunya fever virus (not to be confused with Zika virus) continues to spread in many Latin American and Caribbean countries since its introduction into the Americas in 2013. Countries that are currently reporting people infected with this virus include:

• Mexico (Guerrero and Sonora states)
• Bolivia (Santa Cruz department). Municipality most affected: Santa Cruz.
• Brazil (Bahia, Sergipe, Mato Grosso where 32 municipalities are affected, including Mirassol d’Oeste, Campo Novo do Parecis, and Caceres, Pernambuco states)
• Colombia (Risaralda department)
• Paraguay (nationwide alert)
• Puerto Rico

Advice

The absence of reports by other countries does not mean that the virus is not present or being transmitted in those countries. The risk of exposure for general travellers and tourists will vary from place to place. The mosquito that transmits this infection is the same one that transmits dengue and Zika viruses, and all three viruses may be circulating in any community.

As a general measure to minimize any risk of exposure to all three viruses, travellers should take all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons infected with chikungunya fever or the other two viruses 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.