Winter travelers heading to the Caribbean and other destinations to the south are being warned about chikungunya, a virus carried by mosquitos that is new to this part of the world. The virus is rarely fatal, but can cause fever and terrible joint pain that can sometimes linger for months or years. UTMB’s Scott Weaver said chikungunya is now established in the Americas and continues to spread. “Almost everywhere, every country in central America is now affected. Southern Mexico now has chikungunya. The Caribbean islands, most of them still have chikungunya, although the peak of the outbreak has probably passed on most of the islands.” Weaver said if you’re staying anywhere in the affected areas, especially if there are no screens or air conditioning, you should protect yourself with insect repellent and clothing. “If you start feeling severe pain in your muscles and your joints, severe headache, if you develop a high fever, you should seek medical attention,” Weaver said.