Travelers Should Beware of Bolivia's Chikungunya Outbreak

Since first detected in the Plurinational State of Bolivia in 2015, the Chikungunya virus has increasingly spread throughout this South American Country.

As of August 18, 2025, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported over 4,700 CHIKV cases and one related fatality.

Last year, the PAHO reported 505 CHIKV cases.

To alert international travelers planning visits to Bolivia, specifically the department of Santa Cruz, the U.S. CDC recently issued a Level 2 Travel Health Advisory.

The CDC stated that if you are pregnant, you should reconsider travel to the affected areas, particularly if you are close to delivering your baby. Mothers infected around the time of delivery can pass the virus to their baby before or during delivery.

Newborns infected in this way or by a mosquito bite are at risk for severe illness, including poor long-term outcomes.

The CDC says vaccination is recommended for travelers who are visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak. Two chikungunya vaccines are approved for use in the United States.

These CHIKV vaccines are commercially offered at certified retailers.

The U.S. State Department recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program when visiting Bolivia to receive digital alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.