Bolivia's Chikungunya Outbreak Continues to Prompt Travel Advisories The chikungunya outbreak in Bolivia's Santa Cruz department has seen a slight decline in new cases, according to the Departmental Health Service (SEDES). Epidemiologist Carlos Hurtado reported that the latest epidemiological week recorded 655 confirmed cases, a reduction of about 300 compared to the prior week. This brings the total number of cases in Santa Cruz, the primary epicenter of the outbreak, to 4,283 as of March 9, 2026. Despite the drop, the positivity rate remains high at 51%, meaning over half of those tested are infected with the East/Central/South African genotype of the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, urging travelers to take precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and considering vaccination where available. Bolivia is not the only country experiencing chikungunya cases this year. Global data indicate over 29,000 cases and 85 fatalities have been reported by early March. The main vaccine available in the U.S. and select countries is VIMKUNYA®, a non-live virus-like particle vaccine developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S. Approved by the U.S. FDA in 2025, the vaccine is now accessible at travel clinics and pharmacies. The outbreak highlights ongoing challenges in managing mosquito-borne diseases. While Bolivia's situation shows some improvement, the broader context of the epidemic underscores the need for continued vigilance. Travelers are advised to stay informed about regional health advisories and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.#chikungunya #bolivia #santacruz #cdc #bavarian_nordic
Bolivia battles chikungunya in Santa Cruz The Bolivia Ministry of Health reported that the national count of chikungunya cases has reached 5,371 as of March 7, with the majority of infections concentrated in Santa Cruz department, which accounts for 4,371 cases. While health officials noted a declining trend in recent weeks, other regions such as Beni have declared a health emergency due to outbreaks of both dengue and chikungunya. To address the crisis, the Ministry of Health and Sports, in collaboration with the National Vector-Borne Diseases Program, has launched an Integrated Management strategy. This approach combines chemical and biological control methods with a strong emphasis on environmental health initiatives. The strategy includes deploying 20 experts and 335 brigade members to strategic districts, with a focus on Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Efforts there are centered in districts 9 and 10, where over 12,000 homes have been treated, and critical locations like tire shops and health facilities have been prioritized. The response includes distributing 1,300 liters of insecticide and applying biological larvicides using backpack sprayers. Public awareness campaigns emphasize the importance of removing dense vegetation, as it provides hiding spots for mosquitoes. Residents are encouraged to clear weeds from yards and gardens to eliminate breeding grounds. Additionally, the public is urged to participate in community clean-up efforts to remove water-collecting containers and maintain VERTC prevention habits—Turn Over, Remove, Remove, Cover, and Scrub. The Ministry also ensures ongoing epidemiological surveillance for chikungunya, dengue, Zika, malaria, and leishmaniasis.#bolivia_ministry_of_health #santa_cruz_department #national_vector_borne_diseases_program #ministry_of_health_and_sports #chikungunya
