The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised Americans to take “enhanced precautions” when traveling to China due to an outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus.
The CDC issued a fresh travel warning this month, noting that cases of the illness are rapidly spreading in Guangdong province, with most cases reported in the city of Foshan. Chinese health officials have confirmed over 7,000 cases since June 2025.
According to the CDC, symptoms of chikungunya typically appear 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms include fever and joint pain, along with headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. While most people recover within a week, some may experience severe joint pain for months to years after the acute illness.
The CDC also mentioned that individuals at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around birth, older adults (65 years or older), and those with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. However, death from chikungunya is rare, and there is no specific treatment for the virus.
In Foshan, efforts to combat the virus include using drones to identify mosquito breeding sites, spraying residents with mosquito repellent, and releasing mosquito-eating fish into ponds, as reported by the New York Times.
As of July, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported approximately 240,000 global cases of chikungunya across 16 countries and territories, linked to 90 deaths.
In addition to China, outbreaks of the virus have been reported in countries such as Bolivia, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. Travelers to Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand are also at elevated risk of exposure to chikungunya.
The CDC advises protecting oneself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying in air-conditioned places or those with screened windows and doors. Vaccination is recommended for travelers visiting areas with a chikungunya outbreak, with two approved vaccines available in the U.S.
If symptoms such as fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash develop during or after travel, the CDC recommends seeking medical care immediately.
Author: Greg Norman, Reporter at Fox News Digital
