Chikungunya Virus Disease in Brazil

According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), chikungunya virus disease (CHIKVD) continues to cause serious morbidity and mortality in Brazil. More than 390,000 cases of CHIKVD have been reported in 2024, year to date (October 6th). One hundred and seventy-seven deaths have been notified.

Most cases have come from three states, Minas Gerais, Mato Grossi and Bahia.

CHIKVD was first reported in Brazil in 2014. Between 2014 and late 2019, more than 800,000 cases were notified to health authorities.

It is found in all South American countries apart from Chile and Uruguay. The disease is spread from person to person by mosquitoes. Higher fatality rates are observed in those over 65 years, particularly those over 80 years, newborns, and those immune suppressed.

Deaths are more likely in those with other health issues.

New Chikungunya vaccine approved in the United States.

A vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in late 2023. It is manufactured by Valneva and called IXCHIQ. It is a live attenuated (weakened) vaccine providing good protection against all strains of the virus.

The vaccine is licensed for use in those over 18 years. According to CDC, it might be considered for use in travellers at high risk of exposure or those who might be at risk of serious disease.

It has also been approved for use in Canada and more recently (July 2024) in Europe.

The length of protection is currently unknown. CDC provides a fact sheet for the use of the new chikungunya vaccine.

It is not available in Australia.