CDC issues travel notice for Timor-Leste due to chikungunya outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel notice for Timor-Leste due to outbreak of the mosquito-borne viral disease, chikungunya in Timor-Leste. Several municipalities have reported cases.
Nearly 200 chikungunya cases were reported through March.
Federal health officials advises travelers you can protect yourself by preventing mosquito bites, which includes using insect repellent; wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants; and staying in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens. In addition:
Vaccination for chikungunya is recommended for people aged ≥ 18 years who are traveling to a destination with a current chikungunya outbreak.
If you are pregnant, reconsider travel to Timor-Leste, 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.
You should seek medical care if you develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash, during or after travel.
Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Subscribe to Outbreak News TV on YouTube
Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3–7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya; however, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends a vaccine for some travelers.