Two Chikungunya Deaths Confirmed in Small Brazilian City

While the Federative Republic of Brazil continues to lead the Americas during the Chikungunya outbreak in 2025, with over 53,000 cases and 27 related fatalities, a small city recently confirmed an unusually high case fatality rate.

According to local media reporting on March 18, 2025, the city of Xanxerê registered its second Chikungunya-related fatality of 2025.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Chikungunya infections are seldom fatal. Estimates vary throughout the Americas, with case-fatality rates ranging between 0.5 and 1.3 deaths per 1000.

Located in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, this city of just over 50 thousand inhabitants has recorded about 107 Chikungunya cases this year, indicating a very high fatality rate. This news article did not explain this data.

The PAHO says in Brazil, the mosquito that transmits Chikungunya to people is the same vector that transmits dengue fever and Zika virus, making Chikungunya easy to misdiagnose and appropriately treat.

From a disease prevention perspective, people have two options in March 2025.

The PAHO suggests avoiding being bitten by infected mosquitos.

And/or if you are departing abroad from the United States, the government suggests speaking with a travel vaccine expert about Chikungunya vaccination options before visiting an outbreak area.

The U.S. FDA has approved innovative Chikungunya vaccines for about two years. In 2025, they will be generally available at travel clinics and pharmacies.