MOSQUITO-BORNE VIRUSES
Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, Malaria
Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, Malaria
ZIKA VIRUS
Zika fever is a viral disease, mostly transmitted to people by mosquito bites. Zika can be passed from an infected pregnant mother to her baby and can be spread through sexual contact. Transmission via blood transfusion has occurred. Most people who have Zika do not have any symptoms. If symptoms occur, they are similar to chikungunya or dengue and include fever, rash, joint and muscle pains or conjunctivitis (red eyes) and typically last up to a week. The virus can cause birth defects and serious neurological complications. There is no specific treatment available and no vaccine to prevent the disease. Prevention occurs by preventing mosquito bites. Sexual transmission is prevented through condom use. Due to risk of severe birth defects, many authorities advise pregnant women against traveling to areas where Zika is circulating.
As of October 2016, active Zika virus transmission has occurred in the following South American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Visit the CDC's Zika Virus page for more information.
CHIKUNGUNYA
Chikungunya is transmitted by a virus-carrying mosquito. About 4-7 days later, the infected person develops a sudden fever and severe joint pain. Pain is especially common in the knees, ankles, small joints (especially in hands and feet) and any previously-injured area. Other common symptoms are a rash and headache. There is no specific cure for the disease. Recovery takes several weeks. There is no vaccine. The only way to prevent chikungunya is to prevent mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and long pants and use insect repellent.
As of May 2016, Chikungunya cases have been reported in the following South American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Visit the CDC's Chikungunya Virus page for more information and updates.
DENGUE FEVER
Dengue is a viral disease of the tropics and sub-tropics. It is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito that bites during the daytime and is found in and around human habitation. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain. A rash often follows. The acute illness can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take 2-4 weeks. Occasionally, a potentially fatal form of dengue called severe dengue (previously known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or DHF) occurs. Severe dengue is mostly seen in persons who have been previously infected with dengue - the fatality rate is about 2.5%. A new vaccine has been developed, although availability is limited. Wear long sleeves and long pants, and use insect repellents to prevent mosquito bites.
YELLOW FEVER
Yellow fever is caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. It only occurs in parts of Africa and South America. The symptoms range from a mild flu-like illness to a severe hemorrhagic fever with organ failure. Yellow fever can be deadly, and there is no treatment. However, it can be prevented via vaccination.
Because yellow fever is very contagious, many countries require travelers to show proof that they have been vaccinated before allowing them to enter. You may be required to show proof of vaccination if: you have recently visited a country in an endemic zone, you are visiting a country that requires travelers to be vaccinated, and/or you are visiting an area with known yellow fever risk. In these cases, a signed and stamped International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is required. Consult a travel health professional several weeks before your trip. If you will travel to a country where yellow fever is present: prevent mosquito bites, consider yellow fever vaccination, and understand your home country's regulations. You may need a certificate to return after visiting a country with yellow fever.
MALARIA
Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes that usually bite from dusk to dawn. Symptoms can develop as early as six days or as late as several months after exposure. Early malaria symptoms are flu like, such as head/body aches and generally feeling tired and unwell. Untreated, it can cause complications including anaemia, seizures, mental confusion, kidney failure and coma. It can be fatal. Prevention includes mosquito-bite prevention and chemoprophylaxis. Continue malarial prophylaxis while exposed to malaria. Stopping the medication while still exposed leaves you susceptible again to the dangerous consequences of malaria.
Zika fever is a viral disease, mostly transmitted to people by mosquito bites. Zika can be passed from an infected pregnant mother to her baby and can be spread through sexual contact. Transmission via blood transfusion has occurred. Most people who have Zika do not have any symptoms. If symptoms occur, they are similar to chikungunya or dengue and include fever, rash, joint and muscle pains or conjunctivitis (red eyes) and typically last up to a week. The virus can cause birth defects and serious neurological complications. There is no specific treatment available and no vaccine to prevent the disease. Prevention occurs by preventing mosquito bites. Sexual transmission is prevented through condom use. Due to risk of severe birth defects, many authorities advise pregnant women against traveling to areas where Zika is circulating.
As of October 2016, active Zika virus transmission has occurred in the following South American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Visit the CDC's Zika Virus page for more information.
CHIKUNGUNYA
Chikungunya is transmitted by a virus-carrying mosquito. About 4-7 days later, the infected person develops a sudden fever and severe joint pain. Pain is especially common in the knees, ankles, small joints (especially in hands and feet) and any previously-injured area. Other common symptoms are a rash and headache. There is no specific cure for the disease. Recovery takes several weeks. There is no vaccine. The only way to prevent chikungunya is to prevent mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and long pants and use insect repellent.
As of May 2016, Chikungunya cases have been reported in the following South American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Visit the CDC's Chikungunya Virus page for more information and updates.
DENGUE FEVER
Dengue is a viral disease of the tropics and sub-tropics. It is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito that bites during the daytime and is found in and around human habitation. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain. A rash often follows. The acute illness can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take 2-4 weeks. Occasionally, a potentially fatal form of dengue called severe dengue (previously known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or DHF) occurs. Severe dengue is mostly seen in persons who have been previously infected with dengue - the fatality rate is about 2.5%. A new vaccine has been developed, although availability is limited. Wear long sleeves and long pants, and use insect repellents to prevent mosquito bites.
- Chile: Outbreaks have been reported in Easter Island.
- Peru: Occurs throughout the year in tropical regions. Most cases are reported from the northern coast and the northeastern and central jungle region. Dengue has also been reported near the Ecuadoran border.
- Argentina: Low risk. Dengue fever may exist in the Northeast regions bordering Paraguay.
YELLOW FEVER
Yellow fever is caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. It only occurs in parts of Africa and South America. The symptoms range from a mild flu-like illness to a severe hemorrhagic fever with organ failure. Yellow fever can be deadly, and there is no treatment. However, it can be prevented via vaccination.
Because yellow fever is very contagious, many countries require travelers to show proof that they have been vaccinated before allowing them to enter. You may be required to show proof of vaccination if: you have recently visited a country in an endemic zone, you are visiting a country that requires travelers to be vaccinated, and/or you are visiting an area with known yellow fever risk. In these cases, a signed and stamped International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is required. Consult a travel health professional several weeks before your trip. If you will travel to a country where yellow fever is present: prevent mosquito bites, consider yellow fever vaccination, and understand your home country's regulations. You may need a certificate to return after visiting a country with yellow fever.
- Chile: No threat present.
- Peru: Variable risk. Endemic areas include parts of the following regions which lie below 2300m/7546ft. elevation: Amazonas, Cuzco, Huánuco, Junín, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Pasco, Puno, San Martin and Ucayali regions; designated risk areas in far northeastern Ancash, northern Apurimac, northern and northeastern Ayacucho, northern and eastern Cajamarca, far northern Huancavelica, eastern La Libertad and eastern Piura. There is a low potential for exposure in areas west of the Andes, namely Lambayeque, Tumbes and certain areas of south, west and central Cajamarca and western Piura. There is no risk in areas above 2300m/7546 ft, areas west of the Andes not listed above, the capital city Lima, the cities of Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. Cases are reported most years, usually fewer than 60. Up to 30 deaths occur annually. Vaccine coverage is 50%-80% of the target population.
- Argentina: Risk exists in some areas: the N and NE forest areas bordering Paraguay and Brazil; at altitudes below 2300m/7546ft; Iguaçu Falls; all Misiones province departments; Corrientes province-especially Berón de Astrada, Capital, General Alvear, General Paz, Itzaingó, Itatí, Paso de los Libres, San Cosme, San Martín, San Migue and Santo Tomé. Low exposure potential in: all Formosa province departments; Chaco province-Bermejo department; Jujuy province-Ledesma, Santa Bárbara, San Pedro and Valle Grande departments; Salta province-Anta, General José de San Martín, Oran, and Rivadavia. There is no risk at elevations above 2300m/7546ft. After 40 years with no reported cases, infections occurred in 2008 and 2009 with 2 fatalities. Vaccine coverage is 60-90% of the target population.
MALARIA
Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes that usually bite from dusk to dawn. Symptoms can develop as early as six days or as late as several months after exposure. Early malaria symptoms are flu like, such as head/body aches and generally feeling tired and unwell. Untreated, it can cause complications including anaemia, seizures, mental confusion, kidney failure and coma. It can be fatal. Prevention includes mosquito-bite prevention and chemoprophylaxis. Continue malarial prophylaxis while exposed to malaria. Stopping the medication while still exposed leaves you susceptible again to the dangerous consequences of malaria.
- Chile: No threat present.
- Peru: Malaria in Peru is resistant to the medication chloroquine. If visiting malarial areas, use a medication to prevent chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum malaria. These include: Atovaquone plus proguanil (Malarone and generics), Doxycycline (many brands and generics) and Mefloquine (Lariam and generics). There is no malaria in: Lima province; highland tourist areas such as Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca; Southern cities Arequipa, Ica, Moquegua, Nazca, Puno and Tacna; along the Pacific coast. There is malaria in: All other areas below 2000m/6562 ft, including the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco, Junin and particularly in Loreto.
- Argentina: There is a limited risk of malaria in this country. Chemoprophylaxis is not generally recommended. There is a very low risk of malaria in Oran and San Martin departments in Salta Province, Corrientes and Misiones Provinces. There is no risk in other areas of the country.