Survey: 2/3s of adult Americans who travel are unaware of Chikungunya
In a survey from last summer by Big Village, it demonstrates that 65 percent of Americans aged 18 and older who travel have no idea what the mosquito- borne disease, Chikungunya is. In fact, many think that chikungunya is a foreign dish, a rare species of bird, a breed of dog, or a tropical storm!
In addition, the survey found that six in ten (60%) respondents incorrectly identified sharks, scorpions, crocodiles or bears as the world’s deadliest animals, while Mosquito-borne diseases infect up to 700 million each year, almost one in ten people.
About half (51%) of Americans participating in the survey incorrectly believe climate change has moderate to no influence on the mosquito population.
The good news is that most (79%) know mosquitoes are a health risk because they carry disease, and if traveling to a destination known to have mosquitoes, most would take steps to protect themselves including educating themselves about the risks (62%), bringing insect repellent (68%) and talking to their doctor about vaccines and other preventive measures (63%). Nearly half (46%) would seek a consult from a travel health specialist.
The online survey was conducted between July 22-24, 2024, by Big Village among a demographically representative US sample of 1,763 adults 18 years of age and older who have either traveled to a destination for which they needed a travel health consult or a vaccination or would consider a travel health consult or vaccination. The survey was commissioned by Valneva.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the chikungunya virus. Chikungunya infection occurs when a mosquito with the virus bites a person.
Chikungunya is a potentially life-altering infection that poses a threat to any traveler traveling to an area where the disease carrying mosquitos are found.
It has been found in over 110 countries worldwide.
It’s easy to confuse diseases spread by mosquitoes, especially chikungunya, dengue, and Zika as they share a lot of the same symptoms and are often found in the same areas. However, joint pain and a rash are common symptoms of chikungunya.
An estimated 43% of chikungunya patients experience chronic symptoms, characterized by joint pain, arthritis, fatigue, and potentially debilitating effects which can last for months to years. Many who experience severe infection never fully recover.
Travel Precautions and Prevention
Protect yourself before you travel. Talk to your healthcare provider about preventative measures.
Use of mosquito repellent, insecticides, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants, and restrict exposure to infected mosquitoes.
Set a reminder to talk to your healthcare provider about preventative measures and refer to the CDC for the latest guidelines on protecting yourself from chikungunya.