Transmission of the chikungunya virus is widespread in India

Reports of large numbers of people infected with the chikungunya virus indicate that transmission of this virus is widespread in India. Hundreds to thousands of infected people have been reported in Delhi, Maharashtra (especially the city of Pune), Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Several deaths, mostly in elderly patients, have been attributed to chikungunya infections.

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.