Chikungunya in Brazil

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported that, as of 19 June 2021, 68,330 cases of chikungunya disease have been reported in Brazil in 2021, including 27,353 confirmed cases and five deaths, an increase of 20,286 cases and two deaths since 22 May 2021.

Compared with the same period in the previous year, there has been a significant rise in cases. As at 28 June 2020, 48,316 probable cases (no confirmed data) and 11 deaths were recorded.

Advice for travellers

Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by mosquito bites that can cause acute fever and severe joint pain. All travellers to endemic regions are potentially at risk of chikungunya and should: 

• be aware of chikungunya and understand that no vaccine is available to fight this disease 
• avoid mosquito bites 
• seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop a fever during or on return from travel and mention their travel history

Information and advice for travellers on chikungunya is available on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 5 August 2021