The Travel Health and Vaccine Specialists

Health Alert


LEVEL 1 - PRACTICE USUAL PRECAUTIONS

Chikungunya: Global Update

Updated June 29, 2015

Travel Health Notice

Outbreaks of chikungunya have become increasingly frequent since local transmission was reported for the first time in the Caribbean in December 2013. Since then, local transmission of the virus has spread to many countries in neighbouring regions.

Since 2014, there has been an increase in travel-related chikungunya cases reported in Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers protect themselves from mosquito bitesExternal link when travelling to areas where chikungunya may occur.

ChikungunyaExternal link is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus which typically causes fever, along with an arthritis-like pain in the joints and a rash. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although caused by a different virus, the symptoms of chikungunya can appear very similar to those of dengue feverExternal link. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against chikungunya virus.

Where is chikungunya a concern?

Chikungunya occurs in Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands and the Indian subcontinent. Additional information about chikungunya cases is available on the Pan American Health OrganizationExternal link’s website.

  • Caribbean and Americas: Confirmed cases of chikungunya have been reported on many islands in the Caribbean. Local transmission of the virus has also spread to countries in Central and South America, Mexico and Florida in the United States. These cases mark the first time that locally acquired transmission of chikungunya has been detected in the region of the Americas. Outbreaks within these regions are ongoing with over one million suspected and confirmed cases since December 2013.
  • Ocean Pacific Islands: Outbreaks of chikungunya are ongoing in Cook Islands and Marshall Islands.

Several other countries have reported cases in individuals who have travelled to some of these affected areas.

Recommendations

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

  • Protect yourself from mosquito bitesExternal link, particularly during peak mosquito biting times around sunrise and sunset.
  • If you develop symptoms similar to chikungunya when you are travelling or after you return, see a health care provider and tell them where you have been travelling or living.