The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers protect themselves from mosquito bites if going to regions where there is a risk of chikungunya .

There has been an increase of chikungunya activity in recent years. Since a re-emergence of the disease in 2004, millions of cases have occurred in countries in and around the Indian Ocean. Countries in South and South-East Asia also continue to experience chikungunya activity. In late September 2010, France confirmed their first two cases of locally-acquired chikungunya.

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease which typically causes fever along with an arthritis-like pain in the joints and a rash. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Where is chikungunya a concern?

A map of the areas where chikungunya occurs is available from the website of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Recommendations

Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites, particularly during peak mosquito biting times in the early morning and late afternoon.