Chikungunya Outbreak Confirmed in Burkina Faso

While most chikungunya virus (CHIKV) cases have been reported throughout the Americas in 2023, this mosquito-transmitted virus is causing outbreaks in about 115 countries.

Approximately 320,000 CHIKV cases and over 340 related deaths have been reported worldwide this year.

To alert international travelers, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions, Travel Health Advisory, regarding chikungunya outbreaks in Burkina Faso.

As of November 9, 2023, several districts have reported cases.

Burkina Faso Public Health Emergency Response Operations Center confirmed 89 chikungunya cases in Pouytenga in the Center-East region in September 2023.

Senegal, Burkina Faso's west African neighbor, has reported 210 chikungunya cases in 2023.

According to the CDC, chikungunya disease is caused by the virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites.

If infected, you should seek medical care if you develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash during or after travel.

If you are pregnant, reconsider travel to Burkina Faso, particularly if you are close to delivering your baby, says the CDC.

Mothers infected around the time of delivery can pass the virus to their baby before or during delivery. Newborns infected in this way are at risk for severe illness, including poor long-term outcomes.

Based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recent approval of the IXCHIQ® Chikungunya Vaccine, Live (VLA1553), this disease can be prevented with a vaccine.

Other CHIKV vaccine candidates are conducting late-stage clinical trials in 2023.