CDC issues Level 2 travel alert for French Guiana amid chikungunya outbreak

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for French Guiana, citing an ongoing outbreak of chikungunya. The alert, published on the CDC’s Travelers’ Health website, classifies the current risk level as “Practice Enhanced Precautions.”

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The CDC’s notice specifically advises travellers to adopt enhanced precautions, with a primary focus on preventing mosquito bites to mitigate the risk of infection.

The agency’s guidance is straightforward, stating that individuals can protect themselves by taking measures to avoid being bitten. The notice does not provide specific details regarding the geographic regions within French Guiana where transmission is most active, nor does it outline the duration of the outbreak or the specific timeline of the notice’s issuance.

This Level 2 classification indicates that travellers should be aware of the health risks and take additional steps to protect themselves, but it does not suggest avoiding travel to the region. The CDC’s alert serves as a public health advisory rather than a restriction on movement.

The US health agency continues to monitor the situation in French Guiana. Travellers are encouraged to review the full notice on the CDC website for the most current information before departing.