Media, citing local health authorities, report that the Departmental Health Service (Sedes) has issued a health alert following an active chikungunya outbreak in the Cochabamba tropics. Rubén Castillo, Head of Epidemiology, confirmed 100 cases, 81 of which are locally acquired, along with 40 suspected cases currently under investigation. The cases are primarily concentrated in the municipalities of Entre Ríos, Villa Tunari, and Puerto Villarroel. Authorities warned that transmission in the region continues to rise.
According to the European Center of Disease Control, chikungunya cases have been reported from six of nine departments with Santa Cruz to be the most affected one.
Optimal mosquito bite prevention 24/7, also for other mosquito-borne diseases.
Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for:
- Persons >12 years travelling or moving to an area with elevated risk for chikungunya (see list of countries with elevated risk of US CDC) if planning to stay for an extended period of time or repeated stays (for example, cumulative period of 3 months or more).
Of note:
- Two chikungunya vaccines have been licensed in Europe but not yet in Switzerland.
- Consultation with a travel or tropical medicine specialist is advised.
- For details, see ECTM statement for chikungunya recommendation or SOP.