CDC warns Americans traveling to China as chikungunya virus is spreading rapidly

The U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention warned People to take “enhanced precautions” whereas traveling to China over an outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus. 

The company issued a fresh travel warning this month saying that instances of the sickness are quickly spreading in Guangdong province, with most being reported within the metropolis of Foshan. Chinese language well being officers mentioned greater than 7,000 instances have been confirmed there since June 2025. 

“Most individuals contaminated with chikungunya virus develop some signs. Signs of chikungunya often start 3–7 days after a chunk by an contaminated mosquito,” in response to the CDC. “The most typical signs are fever and joint ache. Different signs might embody headache, muscle ache, joint swelling, or rash. Most individuals get higher inside per week; nevertheless, some can have extreme joint ache for months to years following acute sickness.” 

“Individuals in danger for extra extreme illness embody newborns contaminated across the time of start, older adults (65 years or older), and folks with medical circumstances akin to diabetes or coronary heart illness. Demise from chikungunya is uncommon,” the CDC added. “There isn’t a particular remedy for chikungunya.” 

RARE TICK-BORNE VIRUS CAUSING NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSED IN NORTHEASTERN STATE 

A sanitation employee sprays insecticide to stop the unfold of the Chikungunya virus on Aug. 3, 2025 in Dongguan, within the Guangdong Province of China. (VCG by way of Getty Pictures)

In Foshan, efforts to combat the virus embody drones being despatched out to establish mosquito breeding websites, employees spraying residents with mosquito repellent earlier than permitting them into buildings and mosquito-eating fish being launched into ponds, the New York Times reported. 

The European Centre for Illness Prevention and Management mentioned that as of July, there had been round 240,000 world instances of the chikungunya virus throughout 16 nations and territories. The instances have been linked to 90 deaths. 

The CDC mentioned along with China, there are outbreaks in nations together with Bolivia, Kenya and Sri Lanka. People touring to Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand are also at elevated danger of publicity to the virus. 

DOCTORS REVEAL KEY SIGNS OF LYME DISEASE AS TICK SEASON INTENSIFIES ACROSS US 

Employees perform upkeep work on inexperienced areas throughout an operation geared toward mosquito management amid a pointy rise in Chikungunya virus instances on July 25, 2025 in Foshan, China.  (VCG by way of Getty Pictures)

“You possibly can shield your self by stopping mosquito bites, which incorporates utilizing insect repellent; carrying long-sleeved shirts and pants; and staying in locations with air-con or which have screens on the home windows and doorways,” the CDC mentioned in its advisory. 

“Vaccination is recommended for travelers who’re visiting an space with a chikungunya outbreak,” the CDC continued, noting that there are at present two authorized chikungunya vaccines within the U.S. 

A workers member carries out disinfection work at a hospital amid an outbreak of chikungunya on July 23, 2025 in Foshan, China.  (VCG by way of Getty Pictures)

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“Search medical care instantly for those who develop fever, joint ache, headache, muscle ache, joint swelling, or rash throughout or after journey,” the CDC suggested.