The number of locally-acquired chikungunya cases in Paysandú department has risen from seven to 18 over the past two weeks, while another six locations have registered imported cases. Meanwhile, Paraguay’s extensive chikungunya outbreak continues, with highest case numbers in recent weeks in Central, Asunción and Alto Paraná. An update provided by the General Directorate of Surveillance noted expansion of the epidemic into regional areas: ‘mainly in Guairá, Amambay, San Pedro, Paraguarí, and Caaguazú. There are also increases in the Western Region, mainly in Boquerón and Presidente Hayes’. From October 2022 to mid-April, more than 77,700 chikungunya cases have been reported. Read more
Advice for travellers
The symptoms of chikungunya fever are similar to dengue fever and both are transmitted by the same mosquitoes – the day-time feeding Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. 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 approved 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.