Following reports of some 400 cases of chikungunya in American Samoa, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory for travelers to the Pacific Islands.
For the first time, locally transmitted cases of chikungunya have been reported in American Samoa. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people.
CDC recommends that travelers to American Samoa protect themselves from mosquito bites. Some travelers may be more likely to get chikungunya, have severe disease, or be at higher risk for other reasons. CDC advises travelers in high-risk groups ( arthritis, serious underlying medical conditions, elderly and long-term travelers) to discuss their travel plans with their health care provider.
There is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent chikungunya. The only way to prevent chikungunya is to prevent mosquito bites. Preventing bites can be difficult, but it is important as you can get sick after just one bite.
Chikungunya virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of chikungunya virus infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
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