CDC Issues Travel Advisory Amid Surge of Over 8,000 Chikungunya Cases in China

Health authorities in China have reported a significant outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral infection, with over 8,000 confirmed cases. The outbreak is concentrated in Foshan, a city in Guangdong province with a population nearing 10 million, but cases have also been identified in Hong Kong, Macao, and Hunan province, located more than 400 miles to the north. In response to the escalating situation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel warning for individuals planning trips to China and other affected regions, including Bolivia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.

Chikungunya virus primarily spreads through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected individuals and can pass it on to others through subsequent bites. The incubation period ranges from three to seven days post-bite, with symptoms including fever, severe joint pain, headaches, and skin rashes. While rarely fatal, the joint pain associated with chikungunya can persist for weeks, months, or even years, especially impacting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, infants, and those with pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.

As of July 2025, approximately 240,000 cases have been reported worldwide, resulting in around 90 fatalities, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Currently, there are no specific antiviral treatments for chikungunya; however, two vaccines have been approved in the United States since 2023 to help prevent infection. In China, health officials are implementing other control measures, including drone-assisted mosquito spraying and releasing fish into water bodies to eat mosquito larvae. Hospitals are mandated to report new cases within 24 hours.

Preventative measures for travelers include wearing long-sleeved clothing, applying insect repellent, and ensuring living spaces have screens or air conditioning to reduce mosquito exposure. Vaccination is recommended for travelers planning extended stays in outbreak areas and is considered a crucial step in controlling the virus's spread. Experts emphasize that widespread vaccination — combined with vector control strategies — will be vital in managing future outbreaks.

For more information on chikungunya, visit the Cleveland Clinic's detailed overview.