China is battling a major outbreak of the Chikungunya virus, with 7,000 cases reported—and a staggering 3,000 of those emerging within just one week. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel alert, advising travelers to “practice enhanced precautions” when visiting the country.
Where is the outbreak happening?
Most cases are concentrated in Guangdong province, affecting at least 12 cities, with Foshan being one of the worst-hit areas. Even Hong Kong has reported its first case after a 12-year-old boy contracted the virus during a trip to Foshan.
What is Chikungunya?
The Chikungunya virus was reported in 3,000 people in one week (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne illness, primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes—the same type that carries dengue and Zika. The virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and has since spread to over 110 countries (WHO).
Symptoms to Watch For
Most people experience:
- Sudden fever
- Severe joint pain
Other symptoms may include headache, muscle aches, rash, and joint swelling. While most recover in 7–10 days, joint pain can persist for months—or even years—in severe cases. Vulnerable groups such as infants, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses face a higher risk of complications (CDC).
How is China Responding?
Authorities are rolling out strict measures similar to COVID-19 protocols, including:
- Hospitalizing patients until they test negative
- Distributing mosquito nets
- Clearing stagnant water to prevent breeding
- Releasing “elephant mosquitoes” and fish to eat infected mosquitoes
What Does the U.S. Travel Alert Mean?
Aedes mosquitos are known carriers (Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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The CDC’s Level 2 warning doesn’t ban travel but recommends:
- Using insect repellent
- Wearing long sleeves and pants
- Staying in screened or air-conditioned rooms
- Considering vaccination with one of the two approved U.S. Chikungunya vaccines
Pregnant women near their due date are urged to avoid travel, as the virus can be passed to newborns during delivery, posing severe risks.
Why Experts Are Concerned
Experts warn that this outbreak mirrors patterns seen in 2004–2005, when Chikungunya spread rapidly across the Indian Ocean islands. According to WHO, 5.6 billion people worldwide are currently at risk.
China has implemented COVID-19-like measures (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
“Any outbreak could be major because we have no immunity,” says Yuen Kwok-yung, chair of infectious diseases at the University of Hong Kong (SCMP). WHO’s Rojas Alvarez adds that urgent action is needed “to prevent history from repeating itself.”
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