CDC Chinese problems Travel Warning on Chikungunya virus outbreak

The US disease control and prevention centers warned Americans to take “improved precautions” while traveling to China during an outbreak of the Chikungunya virus transmitted by mosquitoes.

The agency issued a new travel warning this month saying that disease cases are quickly spreading in the province of Guangdong, and most are reported in the city of Foshan. Chinese health officials said more than 7,000 cases have been confirmed since June 2025.

“The majority of people infected with the Chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Chikungunya’s symptoms usually begin 3 to 7 days after a bit of an infected mosquito,” according to CDC. “The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or eruption. Most people improve in a week; however, some may have severe joint pain for months or years after acute disease.”

“People at risk of more serious diseases include infected newborns at the time of birth, older adults (65 years or more) and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Death by Chikungunya is rare,” the CDC added. “There is no specific treatment for Chikungunya.”

Rare virus that causes neurological symptoms diagnosed in the state of northeastern

A sanitation worker spray insecticide to avoid the spread of Chikungunya virus on August 3, 2025 in Dongguan, in the province of Guangdong of China. (VCG through Getty Images)

In Foshan, efforts to combat the virus include drones that are sent to identify mosquito playback sites, workers who spray residents with mosquito repellent before allowing them to enter buildings and fish that eat mosquitoes in ponds, the New York Times reported.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control said that as of July, there were around 240,000 global cases of the Chikungunya virus in 16 countries and territories. The cases have been linked to 90 deaths.

The CDC said that, in addition to China, there are shoots in countries such as Bolivia, Kenia and Sri Lanka. Americans traveling to Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand also have a high risk of exposure to virus.

Doctors reveal key signs of Lyme’s disease as the tick season intensifies in the United States

Workers carry out maintenance work in green spaces during an operation aimed at mosquito control in the middle of a strong increase in Chikungunya virus on July 25, 2025 in Foshan, China. (VCG through Getty Images)

“It can be protected by avoiding mosquito bites, which includes the use of insect repellent; wear long -sleeved shirts and pants; and remain in places with air conditioning or have screens in the windows and doors,” the CDC said in their advice.

“The vaccination is recommended for travelers who visit an area with an outbreak of Chikungunya,” CDC continued, noting that there are currently two Chikunguya vaccines approved in the United States.

A staff member carries out disinfection work in a hospital in the middle of a Chikungunya outbreak on July 23, 2025 in Foshan, China. (VCG through Getty Images)

Click here to get the News application

“Look for medical attention immediately if you develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or eruption during or after the trip,” said the CDC.