CDC warns of deadly chikungunya virus threat for traveling Americans

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The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) is urging touring Individuals to be on excessive alert for a lethal mosquito-borne virus after reporting an outbreak of chikungunya in Cuba this week.

This announcement comes after experiences that chikungunya virus might have been detected within the U.S., though no particular hyperlink between the 2 occasions has been revealed.

In gentle of the outbreak in Cuba, the well being company has issued a Stage 2 Journey Discover: “Apply Enhanced Precautions.”

CDC WARNS OF ‘ENHANCED’ VIRUS RISK FOR TRAVELERS AMID OUTBREAK SPREAD BY MOSQUITOES

Chikungunya virus is unfold by contaminated mosquitoes, the identical sort that carry Zika and dengue.

Signs normally seem inside per week of being bitten, in response to varied well being departments. 

Woman with suitcase in airport

Well being officers urge vacationers to take precautions in opposition to mosquito-borne sicknesses. (iStock)

The virus usually causes fever and intense joint pain that’s typically so extreme it may be disabling. Different signs might embrace headache, muscle aches, pores and skin rash or swelling.

COULD CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS SPREAD TO US? HERE’S WHAT AMERICANS SHOULD KNOW

Most individuals recuperate in a few week, however for some, the joint ache lingers for months and even years. Older adults and folks with well being points like diabetes or heart disease usually tend to face issues, in response to the CDC.

Areas of outbreaks

Previous outbreaks of the virus have occurred in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and islands within the Indian and Pacific Oceans. There may be additionally a danger that contaminated vacationers may unfold the virus to unaffected areas, the CDC says.

After greater than 10,000 circumstances emerged in China throughout an outbreak in late August, authorities utilized security precautions much like earlier COVID protocols, similar to expanded PCR testing and quarantines.

Chikungunya virus - man spraying pesticides

A workers member carries out mosquito eradication work on the Changsha Railway Station on Aug. 15, 2025, in Changsha, Hunan Province of China. (Getty Photos)

The outbreak additionally spilled from Foshan into Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Guangxi by way of travel-linked circumstances.

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“Whereas no domestically transmitted circumstances of chikungunya virus have been reported in New York State, the Division urges New Yorkers who’re touring internationally to take precautions,” State Well being Commissioner Dr. James McDonald mentioned in an August press launch. 

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For Individuals touring overseas, the CDC recommends following the under greatest practices.

  • Use robust insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
  • Put on lengthy sleeves and pants, particularly whereas outdoor
  • Select lodging that has air-con or screened home windows and doorways
A woman wearing a protective face mask sits in a waiting area

When outbreaks occurred in China, the federal government carried out COVID-level precautions like rapid-testing and quarantining. (iStock)

Pregnant women ought to be particularly cautious, because the virus might be handed from mom to new child at start, and infections in infants might be very critical.

There isn’t any particular therapy or extensively accessible vaccine for chikungunya. Medical doctors sometimes suggest managing signs with relaxation, fluids and pain medications.

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If you happen to develop fever, rash, or joint ache whereas touring overseas, well being specialists say it is best to see a health care provider instantly and point out your journey historical past.

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