34 Additional Chikungunya Cases Confirmed Last Month

The Chikungunya Virus outbreak in the Region of the Americas has now exceeded 393,000 cases in 2024 and may soon surpass last year's record of 411,548.

Throughout 2024, the Pan American Health Organization has reported 170 Chikungunya-related fatalities in the Americas.

Before 2006, Chikungunya, a mosquito-transmitted virus, was rarely identified in U.S. travelers. However, that trend has changed,

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data dashboard reported 113 chikungunya cases in 2024, an increase of 34 patients since September 2024. Over 20 states have reported Chikungunya cases this year, led by Massachusetts, New Hampshire, California, Colorado, Illinois, and New York.

The CDC did confirm some good news today; these confirmed cases are travel-related. 

Locally acquired Chikungunya cases have not been reported from U.S. states or territories since 2019.

Furthermore, the CDC says all travelers to countries with a risk of Chikungunya should avoid mosquito bites and discuss the need for vaccination with their healthcare provider.

As of October 2024, the Valneva SE's IXCHIQ® single-dose Chikungunya vaccine is readily available at travel clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.