Chikungunya in the Americas

17 Feb 2023

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports continued transmission of chikungunya in countries in Central and South America.

The following countries have reported cases in the first 6 weeks of 2023:

Argentina: 32 cases

Belize: 46 cases

Bolivia: 101 cases

Brazil: 8 301 cases

Colombia: 8 cases

Guatemala: 40 cases

Nicaragua: 3 cases

Paraguay: 40 818 cases (15 deaths)

Peru: 83 cases

Venezuela: 13 cases

Advice for Travellers

Chikungunya fever is an infection spread by mosquito bites that can cause a high temperature (fever) and intense pain in your joints.  There is no vaccine available against chikungunya. 

The mosquitoes which transmit dengue bite during the day, between dawn and dusk.  They are particularly persistent and aggressive.

If you are travelling to an affected region, you are potentially at risk of chikungunya and should be aware of this infection.

• You can protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

If you develop a fever either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history.

For further information see the chikungunya fever page.