Americans are being urged to be cautious while traveling to a Caribbean island due to a recent outbreak of a serious virus.
The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel warning for Cuba after local officials expressed concerns about an outbreak of chikungunya virus. This viral infection can cause excruciating pain, leaving those affected bedridden for extended periods.
Spread by mosquitoes, chikungunya typically begins with a sudden fever, followed by severe joint pain, particularly in the hands and feet, which can incapacitate sufferers for months. Although rare, there can be fatal cases.
Cuban authorities haven’t disclosed the number of infections but indicated that the outbreak is primarily in Matanzas province, located approximately 60 miles from Havana. So far, no deaths have been reported.
It’s uncertain what triggered the CDC’s alert, but it follows closely on the heels of investigations into a potential locally-acquired case of chikungunya on Long Island, New York—marking the first instance detected in the state.
This infection was confirmed in a woman who had not traveled outside the island recently; quite notable for a place home to over eight million residents, including the well-known Hamptons.
Meanwhile, in South America, the outbreak of chikungunya is escalating, with significant warnings issued. Brazil, in particular, has been heavily affected, reporting around 210,000 cases.
As of this year, global figures indicate over 317,000 cases and 135 fatalities linked to the virus, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Last year recorded 620,000 cases with 213 deaths, so the trend is concerning.
The virus can only be transmitted through mosquito bites, not via direct contact with infected individuals. Symptoms generally appear within three to seven days post-infection, with a sudden fever being the most common. However, approximately 15 to 35 percent of those infected may not show symptoms at all.
Individuals most at risk include newborns, pregnant women, and older adults or those with compromised immune systems. There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, although supportive care like fluids and pain relief may be administered. Vaccines exist but are typically recommended for travelers heading to affected areas.
In its warning, the CDC advised travelers to Cuba to take “enhanced precautions” to minimize mosquito bites. This includes wearing insect repellent, long sleeves, and keeping windows and doors shut. Staying in air-conditioned environments can also help reduce mosquito activity.
Travelers have been encouraged to get vaccinated against the virus if intending to visit the island. It’s worth noting that the vaccine is highly effective and given in a single dose. Pregnant women, in particular, are being advised against traveling to Cuba.
Though tourism to Cuba from the US is restricted, about 83,000 Americans visit annually under certain exemptions. These reasons include supporting the Cuban people, educational purposes, and family visits.
Chikungunya was first identified in Cuba back in 2014, when six cases were confirmed. The following year saw 20 cases, all linked to travelers returning from abroad. The country’s ability to monitor mosquito-borne illnesses is hindered by inadequate funding, which likely results in many cases going undiagnosed.
The US embassy in Cuba raised the alarm about chikungunya on August 25, noting also an increase in dengue fever and oropouche virus cases being reported locally. Dengue can cause severe symptoms, including pain behind the eyes and muscle aches, while the oropouche virus causes fever and other flu-like symptoms—both are rarely fatal.
This latest warning arrives after a previous advisory was broadened, now also cautioning travelers regarding chikungunya when visiting several other countries including Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand.
In China, a surge in chikungunya cases resulted in the implementation of strict measures akin to those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disinfectants were sprayed in public areas, and patients facing quarantine were even reported to have their electricity cut if they did not comply with health checks.
Chinese authorities have also deployed drones for insecticide spraying and implemented unusual measures to eliminate potential carriers of the virus.
A mosquito researcher expressed concern about the situation, noting that chikungunya could potentially reach the US and is merely a plane ride away.
