Chikungunya virus is active in Mexico and Central America

Local transmission of chikungunya fever is being reported in Mexico and Central America.

Mexico

• Chiapas - approximate 700 school teachers absent due to infection, interrupting the education of students
• Guerrero - 79 cases. Most affected municipalities are Acapulco and Costa Chica
• Oaxaca - 800 cases. Most affected area is Isthmus of Tehuantepec and the Coast

Honduras - 14,000 cases with approximately 800 new cases per week. 52 cases in Tegucigalpa city in just the past week

Nicaragua - 4,153 cases

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.