Chikungunya, a Global Threat Currently Circulating in Latin America

Chikungunya fever (CHIK) is a highly important arbovirosis currently established in Lat‐ in America and the Caribbean (LAC); its acute and chronic burden is an overlooked issue for policy makers. Disease spread control and proper management of chronic-derived se‐ quelae do not seem like a realistic goal in shortand mid-term. The CHIKV circulating in the Western Hemisphere is closely related to strains from Philippines, China, and Yap (Federated States of Micronesia), and vertical and horizontal transmission of infection has been reported. Pathogenesis is still not well understood, and vaccines are under develop‐ ment yet. Here, we provide a summary of information regarding LAC spread of the dis‐ ease from a public health, clinical and molecular perspective, particularly from the experience in Colombia.