Chikungunya Outbreak In China: United States CDC Issues Travel Warning

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel warning to Americans following an outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus in Guangdong Province, China. Most cases have so far been reported in the City of Foshan (see map below).

Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites.

The New York Times is reporting that efforts to combat the virus in Foshan include drones being sent out to identify mosquito-breeding sites, workers spraying residents with mosquito repellent before allowing them into buildings and mosquito-eating fish being released into ponds. 

There have been around 240,000 global cases of the chikungunya virus across sixteen (16) countries and territories as of July 2025, according to data released by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The chikungunya cases have been linked to a total of ninety (90) deaths. 

Outbreaks have also been recorded in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Indian and Pacific Oceans. Americans traveling to Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand are also at elevated risk of exposure to the virus. 

The U.S. CDC notes that vaccination is recommended for travelers who are visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak. Although there is no specific treatment for chikungunya, there are currently two (2) chikungunya vaccines approved for use in the United States. 

Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin approximately three (3) to seven (7) days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, which spread the virus that causes chikungunya. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain, while other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people recover within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness.

According to the CDC, “People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.”

Preventing mosquito bites is key to protecting yourself from the virus, which includes using insect repellent; wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants; and staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on the windows and doors. 

The CDC advises that if you are pregnant, “reconsider travel to the affected areas, particularly if you are close to delivering your baby. Mothers infected around the time of delivery can pass the virus to their baby before or during delivery. Newborns infected in this way or by a mosquito bite are at risk for severe illness, including poor long-term outcomes.”

The CDC added, “Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash during or after travel.”

More on this as it becomes available. 

[Source: CDC]