US issues warning as virus strikes popular holiday destination
U.S. health officials have issued a travel warning for parts of Bolivia after an outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito‑borne virus that can cause fever and severe joint pain.Newsweek contacted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) via email for comment. Why It MattersThe CDC has raised its alert level after confirming an outbreak of chikungunya in Bolivia’s Santa Cruz and Cochabamba departments. The virus is spread by mosquitoes and has no specific treatment, making prevention critical.What To KnowThe CDC issued a Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions Travel Health Notice for Bolivia due to a chikungunya outbreak in the Santa Cruz and Cochabamba departments.A page on the CDC website says the notice was last reviewed on February 11, 2026. Newsweek has asked the CDC via email to provide the most up-to-date status of the travel advice. A Level 2 notice means travelers should “practice enhanced precautions” because of an elevated health risk, such as an active disease outbreak. It does not mean people should avoid travel, but it signals that extra protective steps—like vaccinations or mosquito‑bite prevention—are recommended.According to the CDC, symptoms usually begin three to seven days after a bite from an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain, though headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash can also occur.Most people infected with chikungunya recover within about a week, but the CDC warns that some patients can experience severe joint pain lasting months or even years after the initial illness. Death from chikungunya is rare, the CDC says.The center notes that certain groups face a higher risk of severe disease, including newborns infected around the time of birth, adults aged 65 and older, and people with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.There is no specific treatment for chikungunya and, as a result, public health guidance focuses on prevention. The CDC also highlights special considerations for pregnant travelers, advising them to reconsider going to affected areas, particularly close to delivery, because the virus can be passed from mother to baby around the time of birth.What People Are SayingThe CDC says: "You can protect yourself by preventing mosquito bites, which includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on the windows and doors.Vaccination is recommended for travelers who are visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak."What Happens NextThe CDC says it will continue to monitor the outbreak and update travel guidance as conditions change. Travelers are advised to check for the latest CDC notices before departure and seek medical care if symptoms develop during or after travel.
