Over ten years ago, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) urged its member countries with mosquitoes that transmit the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) to increase their vector control programs before infections become endemic.
Since then, 15 countries in the Region of the Americas have reported mosquito-transmitted chikungunya outbreaks in 2024, setting recent highs for cases and related fatalities.
Chikungunya Sets Unfortunate Records in 2024
Vaccination Protects Diwali Travelers from Disease
Diwali is a five-day festival of lights celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains worldwide. Millions will travel abroad to celebrate this multi-day event with their families.
While Diwali is observed in various countries, India hosts significant outdoor festivities. The main celebration, Deepavali, will occur from October 31 to November 1, 2024.
Joining this event may increase the risk of exposure to unwanted viruses.
IDSA: Vaccination Less Likely With Increasing Social Vulnerability, Black Race
Lower likelihood of vaccination for flu, SARS-CoV-2, RSV seen with increasing quartile of social vulnerability index, especially for Black people