Could the Chikungunya virus spread to us? This is what Americans should know
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A virus transmitted by mosquitoes has led to a generalized outbreak in China, but could it appear in the United States?
The centers for the control and prevention of diseases of the United States (CDC) issued a level 2 alert on Wednesday for a Chikungunya virus outbreak in the province of Guangdong, where health officials have reported more than 7,000 cases, News (AP) reported.
There are ongoing efforts to control mosquitoes that extend the virus, including the use of networks, insecticides and drones, according to the report.
The virus transmitted by mosquitoes through China causes high fever, joint pain
Chikungunya cases have also extended throughout Europe, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The virus is transmitted when a mosquito feeds on an infected person and then bites another person.
The Chikungunya virus spreads when an Aedes mosquito feeds on an infected person and then bites another person. (Istock)
Dr. Paul Sax, clinical director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said that an outbreak in the United States is unlikely to be unlikely.
Chikungunya is a predominantly tropical virus disseminated through Aedes mosquitoes, which can be found in the southern United States.
CDC Chinese problems Travel Warning on Chikungunya virus outbreak
“The reason we don’t have many Chikungunya, Dengue or Zika in the United States is that there are not many of those mosquitoes here,” said Sax.
“To really maintain a Chikungunya outbreak in the United States, you must have many more people with Chikungunya. And we only occasionally have people with that.”
“If there is not much Chikungunya circulating in our community, we will not see a sustained epidemic.”
It is mainly Americans who have recently traveled to highly endemic areas of the world that could hire Chikungunya, said the expert, and then they would have to be bitten by mosquitoes that spread it to others.
“Therefore, it is very unlikely to have a great outbreak, but if we had an outbreak, it is very likely to occur in places like Florida, Louisiana and Texas,” Sax said.
A sanitation worker spray insecticide to avoid the spread of Chikungunya virus on August 3, 2025, in the province of China of Guangdong. (VCG through Getty Images)
There was a recent case of Chikungunya in Brigham and Women’s Hospital that involved a patient who had traveled to Bolivia, the doctor shared.
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“She contracted it there and then returned here and was diagnosed here,” he said.
“But that person must be bitten by an Aedes mosquito, which then transmits it to another person … If there is not much Chikungunya in our community, we will not see a sustained epidemic.”
How to recognize Chikungunya
Chikungunya virus symptoms generally include fever, headache and severe joint pain.
The joint pain can last weeks or even months after the initial infection, Sax shared.
There is no antiviral treatment for Chikungunya, but some patients can see a joint specialist who can prescribe anti -inflammatory medications.
Common Chikungunya virus symptoms include headache, fever and joint pain. (Istock)
Free sales anti -inflammatories such as ibuprofen can also help relieve symptoms, according to Sax.
There are also two vaccines, Ixchiq and Vimkunya, which are a popular option for those traveling to highly endemic regions.
Dr. Neil Maniar, Ph.D., Professor of Public Health Practice at the Department of Public Health and Health Sciences of the Northeastern University of Boston, agreed that the risk of Chikungunya in the United States is low.
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In a separate interview with News Digital, Maniar suggested that the outbreak in China is probably related to its monsoon season, since pests such as mosquitoes and even ticks thrive in warm and humid environments.
The expert encouraged people to take appropriate precautions when traveling or visiting tropical areas, even in the United States.
Experts recommend precautions to avoid diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, including vaccines when appropriate. (Istock)
Those include using insect repellent, using long pants and receiving appropriate vaccines when they travel to affected areas.
“We are seeing an increase in diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks because we are seeing longer seasons in which they can prosper,” he said.
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“The population of mosquitoes and ticks is only growing … and I think it is something we should all pay attention to.”
Melissa Rudy of News Digital contributed to this report.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for News Digital.