Popular South American hotspot hit with chikungunya outbreak, and travelers are being told one key thing

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 travel alert for Bolivia following a chikungunya outbreak. The advisory, posted on February 10, specifically highlights the Santa Cruz and Cochabamba Departments.

As reported by Fox News, chikungunya symptoms typically begin three to seven days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever and joint pain, along with headaches, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash.

Most people recover within about a week, though the CDC warns that some individuals can experience severe joint pain lasting months or even years. Death from chikungunya is rare, according to the agency.

The CDC says prevention is the key takeaway for travelers

The CDC’s primary guidance for those traveling to Bolivia is to prevent mosquito bites. Travelers are advised to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and stay in accommodations with air conditioning or properly screened windows and doors.

The agency also recommends that travelers consider getting the chikungunya vaccine before visiting affected areas. Officials say vaccination adds another layer of protection during an active outbreak.

Bolivia is not the only location under a Level 2 advisory. The CDC has issued similar alerts for destinations including the Seychelles, Cuba, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China’s Guangdong Province, advising Americans to practice enhanced precautions when visiting, while Spain’s child safety probe has also drawn attention overseas.

In addition to the chikungunya alert, Bolivia remains under a Level 1 measles advisory first posted in May of last year. The CDC recommends that international travelers ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and stay current on routine immunizations before traveling abroad.

Bolivia recorded 323,300 international tourist arrivals in 2020, underscoring its popularity as a travel destination despite the current health advisory. Steam Deck OLED shortages have also been reported this week.