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CDC Issues Level 2 Travel Alert for Bolivia Following Chikungunya Outbreaks

The agency urges enhanced precautions focused on bite prevention, including vaccination for higher‑risk travelers.

Overview

  • The CDC notice cites confirmed outbreaks in Bolivia’s Santa Cruz and Cochabamba departments and was last reviewed on February 11.
  • A Level 2 advisory signals elevated risk without advising against travel, with guidance to use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and stay in screened or air‑conditioned lodging.
  • Vaccination is recommended for travelers to outbreak areas, and pregnant people are advised to reconsider trips near delivery due to the risk of perinatal transmission.
  • Chikungunya commonly causes fever and severe joint pain within 3–7 days of infection, has no specific treatment, and can lead to prolonged pain; higher‑risk groups include newborns, adults 65+, and people with underlying conditions.
  • A UKCEH study reports the minimum transmission temperature may be about 2.5°C lower than thought, following large 2025 outbreaks in France and Italy and raising concern about seasonal suitability in cooler parts of Europe.