167,239 Chikungunya Cases Confirmed in Paraguay

Throughout 2023, Chikungunya outbreaks have been reported in various countries in the Region of the Americas.

On June 22, 2023, Susan Hills, MBBS, MTH, led the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) Chikungunya Vaccines Work Group presentation, highlighting the ongoing outbreak in the Republic of Paraguay.

As of June 4, 2023, 167,239 Chikungunya cases and 263 related deaths in 2023.

Furthermore, Paraguay's geographic neighbors Argentina, Brazil, and Uraguy have been impacted.

To alert international travelers, the CDC issued a Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions Travel Health Notice in April 2023.

From 2006–2021, 4,590 chikungunya cases in travelers were confirmed in the U.S.

Chikungunya outbreaks are caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites. The CDC stated that people at risk for severe disease include infants, older adults, and those with comorbidities.

People should seek medical care if they develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.  

Unfortunately, the CDC has not recommended a preventive vaccine in 2023.

There are two Chikungunya vaccine candidates conducting late-stage clinical trials.

The VLA1553 monovalent, single-dose, live-attenuated vaccine candidate has been assigned a U.S. FDA Prescription Drug User Fee Act review goal date at the end of August 2023 and has filed a regulatory application with Health Canada.

Additionally, the CDC reviewed surveys on June 22, 2023, regarding awareness of chikungunya and the value of a chikungunya vaccine among travelers.

Only 18% had heard of chikungunya before the survey, and few were aware of pending vaccine approvals.