According to the National Health Institute, the chikungunya virus has killed 25 people in Colombia in less than a year’s time.

According to Latin Post, the virus was first was identified in Colombia in July 2014. Since that time, there have been more than 180,000 cases of the disease confirmed.

As information gathered from the institute shows, aside from the 25 people that have died, another 17 deaths are still being investigated as possibly caused by the virus.

Although the chikungunya virus is not often fatal, it is considered a serious condition, as the virus leads to high fevers and severe joint aches, as well as headaches, nausea and an accompanying feeling of extreme fatigue.

The chikungunya virus has spread across the Caribbean, to Central America, Mexico and South America.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention informs that the most common symptoms of the chikungunya virus infection are “fever and joint pain, and that some of the symptoms may include “headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.”

Currently there is no known vaccine or treatment for the virus.

Back in July 2014, a Florida man who had not traveled recently outside the country became the first individual in the United States to get the virus locally.

Outbreaks of the virus have occurred in countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.

In late 2013, the chikungunya virus was found for the first time in the Americas on islands located in the Caribbean.

According to the CDC, travelers can protect themselves from the chikungunya virus by preventing mosquito bites.

When going to countries that are known to have the chikungunya virus, travelers should use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that offer window and door screens.