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Chikungunya Virus Infection in El Salvador

07 Jul 2014

An outbreak of chikungunya virus infection has been reported from El Salvador; this is the first country in Central America to do so. The first cases were identified at the begining of June 2014, in the municipality of Axutuxtepeque in the department of San Salvador. As of July, 1300 suspected cases of chikungunya virus infection have been reported in six departments and 20 municipalities.

Advice for Travellers

Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up with clothing, the use of bite avoidance measures such as repellent and bed nets is advised. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer term stays.