Given the recent detection of Mayaro fever cases through laboratory surveillance in areas where cases had not previously been reported, the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) encourages Member States to implement and maintain capacity to detect this disease, including laboratory diagnostic capacity and raising awareness among healthcare workers.

Although Mayaro fever is a viral disease of the South American countries, the first outbreak of human cases was given in Venezuela in 2000. Up to June 4, 2010 has reported an outbreak in a rural community of Portuguesa state a cumulative total of 77 cases with no deaths.