A months-long chikungunya epidemic continues to affect the population of East Timor (East Timor). As of late March 2024, 195 cases of chikungunya have been reported in Timor-Leste.
To warn international travelers, the U.S. CDC reissued a Level 2 – Implement Enhanced Precautions, Travel Health Advisory on April 5, 2024.
According to data sources, the number of tourist arrivals in Timor-Leste increased to 3,718 in the first quarter of 2022.
Additionally, cases of chikungunya were reported in neighboring countries in 2024, including Thailand (139 cases), Pakistan (26 cases), and Malaysia (6 cases).
This mosquito-borne disease is caused by the chikungunya virus. Most infected people develop some symptoms, but related deaths are rare.
However, people at risk of developing more severe disease include newborns infected at birth, the elderly, and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
According to the CDC, you should reconsider traveling to Timor-Leste if you are pregnant.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, but the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the newly approved IXCHIQ® vaccine for some travelers.
There is also an outbreak of dengue fever in Timor-Leste, and in 2024 there will be a resurgence of the Zika virus in the city of Ermera.
As of late February 2024, local media reported 27 Zika cases and 460 dengue cases.
