Chikungunya infections are reported to be up by almost one-third this year compared to 2020 – highest incidence in the Northeast, the Southeast and the Midwest. There were fewer dengue fever cases over the same period, but they still numbered more than 500,000 nationally. In related news, a study published recently in the journal PLOS proposed that Brazil’s dengue fever transmission zones have expanded ‘into previously unaffected parts of Acre, Amazonas, and further south into Paraná and Santa Catarina’ as geographical barriers no longer offer protection: cooler temperatures in the south, high altitude in SE and the remoteness of the Amazon. Read more
Advice for travellers
The symptoms of chikungunya fever are similar to dengue fever and both are transmitted by day-time feeding Aedes mosquitoes. Acute joint pain with a rash is typical of chikungunya and while fatal cases are rare, painful joints may persist for weeks or months after the acute phase has ended. There is no vaccine or prevention medication; using an effective, tropical-strength repellent to avoid insect bites is the best form of protection. Read more about chikungunya.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.