A multi-month chikungunya virus outbreak continues impacting the residents of Timor-Leste (East Timor), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned last week.
As of late last month, 195 chikungunya cases had been reported in Timor-Leste.
Key points
There is an outbreak of chikungunya in Timor-Leste. Several municipalities have reported cases.
Mosquitoes spread the virus that causes chikungunya.
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.
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.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults, and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
Timor-Leste is also currently experiencing dengue outbreaks and a resurgence of the Zika virus in the Ermera municipality.
As of late February, local media reported 27 Zika cases and 460 dengue cases.
What is chikungunya?
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.
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 US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends a vaccine for some travelers.
The disease was first identified in 1952 in Tanzania and named based on the Kimakonde words for “to become contorted”.
– Courtesy of US CDC and Precision Vaccinations
Green indicates outbreak areas – Map courtesy of US CDC
