37% of Paraguay Residents May be Infected with Chikungunya

According to a recent blood donor study, about 37% of the residents of the Republic of Paraguay may be infected with the Chikungunya virus.

A research article published in the journal Medical Virology on May 13, 2025, stated that serum samples from 546 blood donors across seven regional districts and Asunción were collected from March to May 2023.

Anti-CHIKV IgG prevalence was 37.2%, with men showing a seroprevalence nearly 10% higher than women, but no significant age-related differences were observed.

Regional variation in CHIKV seroprevalence was not substantial.

In conclusion, this study suggests a high seroprevalence of CHIKV in Paraguayan blood donors, with the notable CHIKV prevalence underscoring the effects of recent outbreaks.

As of May 26, 2025, the U.S. CDC says there has been evidence of CHIKV transmission in Paraguay within the last 5 years.

During 2024, about 2.2 million people visited this South American country. 

Furthermore, the CDC says certain travelers visiting Paraguay may be considered for Chikungunya vaccination. CHIKV vaccines are offered at travel clinics and pharmacies in the United States.