Chikungunya Outbreak in China Sparks CDC Travel Warning

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel alert in response to a growing outbreak of chikungunya, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, in China. Health officials in China have confirmed over 7,000 cases of chikungunya in Guangdong Province since June 2025, prompting the CDC to issue a warning focused specifically on this region. The outbreak has been linked to monsoon flooding in Guangdong, which created favorable breeding grounds for mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the virus.

In its advisory, the CDC noted that a vaccine is available and urged travelers to get immunized before visiting affected areas. Dr. Todd Ellerin, head of infectious diseases at South Shore Health in Massachusetts, told ABC News, “Travelers to the region should absolutely take precautions” to avoid infection. “Wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent with DEET, and use mosquito netting for babies too young for repellent,” Ellerin advised. He is not affiliated with the CDC.

Chikungunya has existed since the 1950s and has become more common in tropical climates over the past few decades. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, there have been approximately 240,000 global cases since the beginning of 2025. In the United States, chikungunya is not widespread. The CDC reports that there have been no locally acquired cases since 2019.

The virus typically causes symptoms such as a sudden high fever, intense joint pain (particularly in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet), muscle pain, headache, fatigue, and skin rash. Most patients recover within 7 to 10 days without medical treatment, but some may continue to experience discomfort for weeks or even months.

Dr. Ellerin noted that chikungunya generally has an incubation period of less than one week. “If it’s been more than a week since you left a high-risk area, you’re likely in the clear,” he said.

There is currently no antiviral drug specifically for chikungunya. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms while the body recovers. The CDC recommends rest, staying hydrated, and using medications such as acetaminophen for pain and fever. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used, but only after ruling out dengue fever, which shares similar symptoms. According to the CDC, fatalities from chikungunya are rare.

There are two vaccines for chikungunya currently available in the U.S., both of which begin providing protection roughly two weeks after a single dose. The CDC advises that travelers to areas with active outbreaks, people staying abroad for six months or longer, and laboratory workers handling the virus should receive the vaccine.