By
- Katherine Rodriguez | NJ.com
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Level 2 travel alert to Costa Rica due to an outbreak of the chikungunya virus
The outbreak primarily originated in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, according to the CDC
The agency issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica, warning travelers to “practice enhanced precautions” when traveling to the area on July 16
When was the chikungunya virus first discovered in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of the chikungunya virus on July 1 in the community of Playa Langosta in Guanacaste province
At least 45 suspected cases were identified along with 17 additional cases linked to the outbreak and four cases confirmed through laboratory testing
The cases include both Costa Rican citizens and foreigners
The last time Costa Rica identified a case of the virus was in 2017
How is the chikungunya virus spread? What are the symptoms of the virus?
According to the CDC, the chikungunya virus spreads through infected mosquitoes
Symptoms of the virus include fever, joint and muscle pain, headaches, rash and joint swelling
While the disease is rarely fatal, some people experience long-term symptoms such as chronic joint pain, according to a study of people who had symptoms long after initially coming down with the virus
The agency says the best way to prevent against the virus is to wear mosquito repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and spending time in air-conditioned spaces or areas with screen netting
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