They sought blood—only to leave behind something more ominous.
Thousands in China have contracted a painful virus transmitted by mosquitoes, leading to the country’s most intense public health response since COVID, raising fears of a potential outbreak.
In light of this, U.S. health officials are advising travelers to take extra precautions as the infection spreads beyond China, reaching various regions in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Here’s what you should know about the potentially lethal Chikungunya virus.
What is the Chikungunya virus?
This is a viral illness that spreads when a mosquito carrying the Chikungunya virus bites humans.
It’s worth noting that it can’t be transmitted through physical contact or saliva, although some healthcare workers may get infected when handling the blood of infected patients.
How common is it?
Research indicates that approximately 35.3 million people contract the Chikungunya virus annually across 180 countries. While it is generally not fatal, it is estimated to cause about 3,700 deaths each year.
This year, there have been 46 travel-related cases reported in the U.S., a number that nearly reached 200 in 2024. Thankfully, there haven’t been any local mosquito outbreaks in the U.S. since 2019.
What are the symptoms of Chikungunya?
Symptoms typically emerge within 2 to 7 days after a mosquito bite, and they may include:
- Sudden high fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Nausea
- Red eyes
Most individuals recover in a matter of weeks, but around 40% suffer from significant joint and muscle pain that can persist for months or even years post-infection.
Although fatalities from Chikungunya are rare, the virus may lead to serious complications affecting various organs, including the eyes and heart.
Those at higher risk include the elderly, people with chronic illnesses like high blood pressure or diabetes, young children, and pregnant women who may transmit the virus to their infants.
What can be done?
There’s no specific medication to treat the virus, but rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief can help alleviate symptoms.
However, the CDC recommends being cautious with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen until diseases such as dengue are ruled out, as these may heighten bleeding risk.
Where is the virus spreading?
Currently, China’s Guangdong Province is at the center of the Chikungunya outbreak. Other regions experiencing high transmission rates include Bolivia, Kenya, Madagascar, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.
The CDC has alerted travelers heading to countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Nigeria, noting that while the outbreak hasn’t been declared widespread, the risk of exposure remains significant.
How can travelers stay safe?
If you are planning a trip to these areas, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated. There are currently two vaccinations approved in the U.S. for Chikungunya.
While there, you should protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in air-conditioned or screened-in accommodations.
The CDC also advises pregnant travelers, especially those nearing their due date, to reconsider their journeys to affected areas to avoid the risk of transmitting the virus to newborns.
