Caribbean Island Vacationers Infected with Chikungunya, Dengue, Oropouche, and Zika Viruses

This year, there has been a rise in mosquito and insect-borne infections in the Caribbean, prompting many vacationers to seek preventive vaccines for chikungunya (10), dengue (105k), Oropouche virus, and Zika (16) virus diseases.

Countries like Grenada, Barbados, Saint Martin, and the Virgin Islands have reported chikungunya cases in the Caribbean region. And zika cases continue in Puerto Rico in 2024. 

According to the UK's government's travel site, it is essential to seek urgent medical advice if you experience symptoms such as a high fever, severe headache, or rash within two weeks of returning from the Caribbean.

Be sure to inform your healthcare provider which Caribbean countries you recently visited.

On December 24, 2024, the UK Health Security Agency wrote that healthcare professionals should consider the possibility of mosquito- or insect-spread diseases in a returning traveler who has recently visited the Caribbean and presents with a fever or flu-like illness. A complete travel/clinical history may be needed to determine which virus impacts the patient.

Furthermore, if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, remember to follow current advice about avoiding the sexual transmission of Oropouche and Zika viruses.

To keep international travelers informed of health risks, the U.S. CDC posts various vaccine recommendations, and the U.S. Department of State publishes various travel advice.

As of December 26, 2024, of these highlighted diseases, only Valneva SE's IXCHIQ® Chikungunya vaccine is available at travel clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.