The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel advisory Friday, warning of a chikungunya outbreak in Guangdong province, southeast China, with most cases reported in Foshan city.
The mosquito-borne virus, first identified in Tanzania in 1952, causes fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, rash, and joint swelling, with symptoms typically appearing three to seven days after a bite from an infected mosquito.
The CDC noted that most people recover within a week, though some experience severe joint pain lasting months or years. Newborns, older adults (65 and older), and individuals with conditions like diabetes or heart disease face higher risks of severe illness, though death is rare. China’s National Health Commission reported 2,940 mild cases in Guangdong from July 20 to July 26, with no severe cases or deaths.
Travelers are urged to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodations to prevent mosquito bites.
The CDC recommends vaccination for those visiting outbreak areas, with two U.S.-approved vaccines available: IXCHIQ, a live-attenuated vaccine for adults 18 and older, licensed in November 2023, and VIMKUNYA, a virus-like particle vaccine for those 12 and older, licensed in February 2025. However, due to reports of cardiac or neurologic events in older adults, IXCHIQ is not recommended for those 60 and older pending further investigation.
Pregnant travelers, especially those near delivery, are advised to reconsider travel, as mothers infected around birth can pass the virus to newborns, risking severe illness. The CDC suggests pregnant travelers consult healthcare providers to weigh vaccination risks and benefits when exposure is unavoidable.
“Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash during or after travel, seek medical care immediately,” the CDC advised.
No specific treatment exists for chikungunya.
The virus has caused frequent outbreaks since 2004 across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. China held a national conference last month to address prevention and treatment strategies.
The CDC’s travel warning is at Level 2, urging enhanced precautions for Guangdong province.