Chikungunya Outbreaks: Travel Advisories and Precautions for Americans
Health officials in the United States have issued travel advisories for Americans planning trips to certain tropical countries due to outbreaks of an untreatable mosquito-borne disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued Level 2 travel advisories for Cuba, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Guangdong Province in southern China, advising travelers to practice enhanced precautions when visiting these areas. Chikungunya, the disease in question, has no current treatments but is vaccine-preventable, with vaccination recommended for travelers to affected regions.
The symptoms of chikungunya include fever and joint pain, along with headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or a rash. These symptoms typically manifest three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, and most individuals recover within a week. In severe cases, some may experience prolonged joint pain, while others may require hospitalization due to the risk of organ damage and death, as noted by the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to WHO, there have been 445,000 suspected and confirmed cases of chikungunya and 155 deaths globally between January and September 2025. In Bangladesh, 700 suspected cases were reported in Dhaka during the same period. Guangdong Province in China has confirmed 16,000 locally transmitted cases, the largest outbreak in the country to date. Cuba reported 34 confirmed cases, with public health measures in place to contain the outbreak. Sri Lanka saw 150 confirmed cases, with a peak in June.
The CDC also warns travelers to Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand of an increased risk of chikungunya infection, even in the absence of reported outbreaks. While the U.S. has not had any locally acquired chikungunya cases since 2019, caution is advised for those traveling to regions where the disease is prevalent.
In conclusion, travelers should be aware of the risks associated with chikungunya when visiting tropical countries and take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites and potential infection. Stay informed about travel advisories and vaccination recommendations to safeguard your health during trips to affected areas.