While some countries in the Caribbeans have seen their chikungunya situation get under control, in fact Dominica declared their outbreak over earlier this week, some areas of South America are reporting an increase in cases of the mosquito borne viral disease.
During the past week, Colombia saw an increase of 7,848 cases bringing the country’s total to more than 185,000 suspected and confirmed cases, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), by far the most on the continent.
Colombia has also reported three chikungunya related fatalities.
Other South American countries seeing an increase in confirmed chikungunya cases include Bolivia (+45), Ecuador (+147) and Paraguay (+130).
In addition, Mexico also reported an increase in confirmed chikungunya cases during the past week, rising by 114 cases to 355.
In the United States in 2015, as of February 24, a total of 43 chikungunya virus disease cases have been reported to CDC ArboNET from 8 U.S. states so far this year.
Earlier this week, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) held a Chikungunya Consultation meeting, which included sessions on: Surveillance and Outbreak Response; Entomological Surveillance, Control and Management; Clinical Care; Laboratory Services; Communication Strategies and Experience; Long-term Impact of Chikungunya; and Research and Innovation.
The total suspected and confirmed chikungunya cases reported in the Western hemisphere since the 1st autochthonous cases were reported in St Martin in Dec. 2013 now stands at 1,256,430.
During the past several weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated travel advisories to Mexico, the Caribbean and South America due to the chikungunya outbreak.
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