Level 2 Travel Advisory Issued for Bolivia Over Chikungunya Outbreak in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified parts of Bolivia as health risk destinations in South America due to an ongoing outbreak of chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne viral illness.

As of mid-February 2026, there have been 1,534 confirmed or suspected cases reported nationwide.

A Travel Health Notice issued on February 11, 2026, classifies the situation as a Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions, specifically highlighting outbreaks in the departments of Santa Cruz (eastern Bolivia) and Cochabamba (central Bolivia), while smaller numbers have been noted in Tarija (14), Beni (10), and Chuquisaca (7).

The CDC writes that Chikungunya, primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, causes symptoms such as high fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. While most individuals recover within a week, some may experience persistent joint pain for months or even years. Severe complications are rare but can occur, especially in vulnerable groups such as older adults, infants, and those with underlying health conditions.

There is no specific antiviral treatment available, but the CDC recommends a vaccine for travelers visiting outbreak areas. 

In its notice, the CDC urges travelers to Bolivia, especially those visiting affected regions, to take proactive measures to avoid mosquito bites.

The outbreak in Bolivia is part of a broader regional trend in the Americas.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) noted sustained increases in chikungunya cases since late 2025, with a re-emergence in areas such as the Guiana Shield (Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname) after nearly a decade without reports.

In 2025, the Americas reported 313,132 cases (113,926 confirmed, including 170 deaths) across 18 countries and one territory, though overall regional numbers declined compared to 2024.

The CDC and PAHO say travelers to outbreak areas should consult travel health providers about vaccination options before their trips and monitor updates, as conditions can evolve rapidly due to changes in mosquito populations and environmental factors.