CDC Issues New Chikungunya Travel Advisory as Cases Rise Abroad
If you're planning international travel, it's important to stay up to date on the latest guidance from global health agencies.
The CDC’s chikungunya warning was issued after several regions reported growing outbreaks of the virus, including areas that haven’t seen major case numbers in recent years.
Where Outbreaks Are Happening Now
The CDC released a chikungunya travel advisory for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka after both countries reported significant spikes. Similar alerts were issued earlier this year for Cuba and the Guangdong Province in Southern China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says chikungunya activity has been rising in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. And, from January through September, more than 445,000 suspected and confirmed cases were reported worldwide
While most outbreaks occur in tropical regions, occasional clusters have also appeared in parts of Europe.
What Is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral infection that’s spread through mosquito bites, especially from infected Aedes mosquitoes. It’s considered an untreatable mosquito-borne illness travel risk, even though most people recover from it with rest and supportive care.
People often begin to feel unwell three to seven days after a bite. Common chikungunya symptoms include:
Fever
Severe joint pain
Muscle aches
Headache
Rash
Fatigue
Nausea
Joint swelling
Most cases are reported to be mild, but certain symptoms can linger for months, especially joint pain. And, while severe illness is rare, it can happen in infants, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.
How to Protect Yourself While Traveling
There’s no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya, so prevention is what matters most.
Here are some tips from health agencies on how to prevent chikungunya during your trip:
Get vaccinated if you’re in a higher-risk category or will be spending extended time in affected areas.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent every day.
Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks whenever possible.
Stay in places with air conditioning or screened windows and doors.
Avoid areas with standing water, where mosquitoes are more common.
If you develop a fever, rash, or joint pain during or after travel, contact a healthcare provider right away.
If you’re pregnant, especially if you’re close to your due date, you might want to reconsider traveling to affected regions until the outbreaks ease up a little.
What These Advisories Mean for Us
Chikungunya isn’t new, but the recent resurgence shows how quickly mosquito-borne illnesses can spread in the warmer seasons.
With alerts expanding across multiple countries, try to include a quick check of the CDC’s updates in your trip planning, and definitely follow simple mosquito protection habits while you’re abroad.
For most people, these precautions are enough to stay safe and enjoy their trip, but knowing the signs and remaining aware of local activity can make a significant difference in your life.
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