Health
Chikungunya surge prompts health emergency in Santa Cruz
Bolivian authorities declare a health emergency in Santa Cruz Department as chikungunya cases surge, with thousands infected and several deaths reported amid intensified mosquito control efforts.
Bolivian health officials have declared a health emergency in the eastern Santa Cruz Department as the chikungunya outbreak accelerates, with thousands of confirmed and suspected cases reported across the department. The regional epidemiology agency warns the epidemic curve has not yet peaked, driven by heavy rains and widespread Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding sites. Public health teams have expanded fumigation, neighborhood disinfection, and surveillance in dozens of municipalities, urging residents to eliminate standing water and seek care for high fever, severe joint pain, and fatigue. Hospitals report increased admissions, including critically ill elderly patients, straining an already overstretched health system.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia
- Date added
- 2026-03-26 08:31 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-26 08:31 UTC
- Source
- teleSUR Health Alert
- Connected threats
- Not provided