Brazil: Elevated chikungunya activity reported nationwide through May /update 2

Event

Brazilian health authorities have continued to report elevated chikungunya activity through May, with 28,358 additional chikungunya cases reported May 8-28, bringing the total reported cases nationwide to 98,450 since Jan. 1. This is a 2.7-fold increase when compared to a similar period in 2021, when only 36,242 cases were reported. Ceara is the most affected state, reporting an incidence rate (the number of cases per 100,000 population - a better indicator of risk than case count alone) of 296. This is followed by Paraiba (242 cases per 100,000 population), Tocantins (194 cases per 100,000 population), Rio Grande do Norte (163 cases per 100,000 population), and Pernambuco (154 cases per 100,000 population). This represents the most complete information available as of June 8.

Context

Chikungunya activity in Brazil is similar to dengue fever, being a nationwide threat. The risk is elevated in urban areas, with parts of Brazil experiencing chikungunya transmission year-round; the highest number of cases generally occurs January-June.

Chikungunya is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of chikungunya include fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and rash. Symptoms typically appear 3-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 12 days after exposure. Most people recover within a week; however, joint pain can sometimes persist for months.

Advice

Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas.