Chikungunya in Paraguay
Key points
- There is an outbreak of chikungunya in Paraguay. Most cases have been reported in the Asunción metropolitan area (see map).
- Mosquitos spread the virus that causes chikungunya.
- Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites, including using insect repellent; wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants; and staying in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.
- Travelers to these areas should seek medical care if they develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
Traveler Information
- Travelers’ Health Chikungunya Website
- Health Information for Travelers to Paraguay
- CDC Chikungunya Website
- Prevent Mosquito Bites
Clinician Information
- Chikungunya in the CDC Yellow Book (Health Information for International Travel)
Chikungunya is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Symptoms of chikungunya disease usually begin 3–7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.
There is no specific treatment or approved vaccine for chikungunya.