The U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia, has announced a health alert following the issuance of a Level 2 Travel Health Notice by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning chikungunya in the Santa Cruz Department. Chikungunya is a virus transmitted through mosquito bites, with symptoms typically appearing three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever and joint pain, and while most individuals recover within a week, some may experience prolonged joint pain.
The embassy advises travelers to visit the CDC's page on chikungunya for comprehensive information about the disease, including its symptoms, prevention methods, and available vaccinations. Travelers are encouraged to consult local medical providers listed by the embassy for any concerns regarding travel plans and vaccination options.
In case of illness while overseas, it is recommended that travelers verify evacuation options with their travel insurance provider. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms such as fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash develop.
For assistance, contact details for the U.S. Embassy in La Paz are provided: +(591) (2) 216-8000 or +(591) (2) 216-8500 for after-hours inquiries. Additionally, inquiries can be directed to ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov or through their website at http://bo.usembassy.gov.
Travelers are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and follow the State Department’s social media channels on Facebook and Twitter for further information.