MEDICAL UPDATE: Chikungunya. 26 locally acquired, confirmed cases of chikungunya fever have been reported in St Martin (French side of the island) since October. These are the first locally acquired cases reported in the Americas, but likely do not represent sustained local transmission at this time. Additionally, there have been 3 confirmed cases since December 20, 2013 in Sint Maarten (Dutch side of the island), and are the first reported cases. Martinique also has 3 confirmed cases since December 20, 2013 (including 1 case in a traveler returned to French Guiana). These are the first reported cases in Martinique and are indicative of inter-island spread in the Caribbean, but likely do not represent local transmission at this time. Chikungunya is an arboviral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Travelers are advised to practice daytime and nighttime insect precautions.
Posted on: Thu, 26 Dec 2013 20:57:19 +0000