Chikungunya Outbreak in Bolivia: Travel Advisory and Health Information

Travelers to Bolivia are being urged to take enhanced precautions due to a growing outbreak of chikungunya fever, primarily affecting the departments of Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. Health officials have reported a significant increase in cases, prompting travel advisories and public health measures.

Current Situation in Bolivia

As of February 15, 2026, Bolivia has registered 1,534 cases of chikungunya through the first five weeks of the year, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports . The majority of these cases are concentrated in Santa Cruz, with 1,409 reported as of February 9th. Cochabamba follows with 94 cases, while Tarija, Beni, and Chuquisaca have reported 14, 10, and 7 cases, respectively.

In 2025, Bolivia recorded nearly 7,000 cases of chikungunya, including four fatalities . On February 10, 2026, a Level 2 travel alert was issued by the CDC, advising travelers to practice enhanced precautions .

A red alert was issued on February 9th due to the rapid spread of the disease, with a positivity rate currently at 65 percent – the highest since the outbreak began . Approximately 55 percent of confirmed cases are located in Santa Cruz de la Sierra municipality, the department’s capital.

What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes . Symptoms typically begin 3–7 days after a mosquito bite and include:

• Fever
• Severe joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Rash
• Fatigue

While most people recover within a week, severe joint pain can persist for months or even years . Newborns, older adults (65 years or older), and individuals with underlying medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease are at higher risk of severe illness, though death is rare .

Prevention and Protection

The CDC recommends the following measures to prevent chikungunya:

• Prevent mosquito bites: Apply insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and stay in air-conditioned accommodations or rooms with screened windows and doors .
• Vaccination: Vaccination is recommended for travelers visiting areas with a chikungunya outbreak .

What to Do If You Develop Symptoms

If you experience fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash during or after travel to Bolivia, seek medical care immediately .

Travel Advisory Levels

The CDC currently has a Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions travel notice in effect for Bolivia due to the chikungunya outbreak .