Chikungunya Virus Infection in the Caribbean (Update)
03 Jun 2014
The outbreak of chikungunya virus infection in various Caribbean islands is ongoing; WHO/PAHO has published further epidemiological data.
- Saint Barthelemy (St Barts), 520 suspected, 135 confirmed/probable cases.
- Saint Martin, 3320 suspected, 793 confirmed/probable cases.
- Sint Maarten, 123 confirmed cases.
- Martinique, 29 200 suspected, 1515 confirmed/probable cases.
- Guadeloupe, 23 100 suspected, 1328 confirmed/probable cases.
- Guyana, 2 confirmed cases.
- French Guiana, 222 confirmed/probable cases.
- British Virgin Islands, 20 confirmed cases.
- Haiti, 6312 suspected, 6 confirmed cases.
- Dominican Republic, 38 639 suspected, 17 confirmed.
- Dominica, 1817 suspected cases, 122 confirmed cases.
- Anguilla, 33 confirmed cases.
- Antigua and Barbuda, 4 confirmed cases.
- Aruba, one confirmed case.
- St Kitts and Nevis, 22 confirmed cases.
- St Lucia, 5 confirmed cases.
- St Vincent and the Grenadines, 110 suspected cases, 57 confirmed cases.
- Puerto Rico, 1 confirmed case.
With few new infections, the outbreak appears to be coming to an end in the British Virgin Islands, St Martin, Sint Maarten, St Barthelemy and St Kitts and Nevis.
Advice for Travellers
Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up with clothing, the use of bite avoidance measures such as repellent and bed nets is advised. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer term stays.