A recent outbreak of chikungunya in China’s Guangdong Province is raising questions about the potential for global spread. With most cases centered in the major city of Foshan, health officials and international travelers are on alert. Understanding this mosquito-borne illness, its symptoms, and the crucial prevention methods, including new vaccines, is more important than ever.
Table of Contents
What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. While outbreaks have occurred globally in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, the presence of the virus in a major international hub like Guangdong highlights the risk of rapid transmission across borders.
Symptoms typically appear 3–7 days after an infected mosquito bite. While most people recover within a week, the experience can be debilitating. Key symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of high fever
- Severe and often disabling joint pain
- Headache and muscle pain
- Joint swelling
- Rash
For most, the illness is not fatal, but some individuals, particularly newborns infected around the time of birth, adults over 65, and those with underlying medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease, are at risk for more severe outcomes. A significant concern is the potential for chronic joint pain that can last for months or even years after the initial infection. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya, making prevention the most effective strategy.
How to Protect Yourself: Prevention and Vaccination
Travelers and residents in affected areas can take several steps to minimize their risk of infection.
1. Prevent Mosquito Bites: The first line of defense is avoiding mosquito bites. This can be achieved by:
- Using an effective insect repellent.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin.
- Staying in accommodations with air conditioning or well-maintained window and door screens.
2. Consider Vaccination: Vaccination is now a key tool in preventing chikungunya. It is recommended for travelers heading to areas with active outbreaks. Two vaccines have recently been approved for use in the United States:
- IXCHIQ: A live-attenuated vaccine licensed in November 2023 for adults aged 18 and older.
- VIMKUNYA: A virus-like particle vaccine licensed in February 2025 for individuals aged 12 and older.
Important Health Advisory for Older Adults: Recent investigations by the CDC and FDA have identified a potential risk associated with the IXCHIQ vaccine. Following reports of serious cardiac and neurologic events in vaccinated individuals in the U.S. and other countries, it is advised that the live-attenuated vaccine (IXCHIQ) should not be used in people 60 years of age or older until further investigation is complete. Healthcare providers should discuss the benefits and risks of each vaccine based on a traveler’s age, health status, and travel plans.
Special Guidance for Pregnant Travelers
Pregnancy presents unique risks. The chikungunya virus can be transmitted from a mother to her baby around the time of delivery, potentially leading to severe illness and poor long-term outcomes for the newborn.
- Pregnant individuals are strongly advised to reconsider travel to affected areas.
- Vaccination during pregnancy should generally be deferred until after delivery. However, in high-risk situations where travel cannot be avoided, a discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to weigh the potential risks of the virus against the risks and benefits of vaccination.
What to Do if You Suspect Infection
If you develop symptoms like fever, joint pain, or a rash during or after visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak, seek medical care immediately. Inform your doctor about your recent travel history to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Early medical attention can help manage symptoms and rule out other illnesses.
As global travel continues to connect the world, awareness and proactive health measures are our best defense against the spread of diseases like chikungunya. Stay informed, stay protected.
More Topics
- What is Windows 11’s ‘Recall’ Feature and Why is it So Controversial?
- Why Scarlett Johansson is in a Dispute with OpenAI
- What We Know About the Rumored PS5 Pro
- How Intel’s Lunar Lake Chips Are Taking Aim at Apple’s M4
- What’s New with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?
- At Least 1 Dead, Multiple Injured in Explosions at U.S. Steel Plant in Pennsylvania
- Lions-Falcons Preseason Game Halted After Frightening Injury to Player
