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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of awareness for travelers and health professionals regarding chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus prompting new health advisories worldwide.
The agency has issued several Level 2 travel health notices to guide health decisions, including enhanced precautions for countries currently experiencing outbreaks, such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cuba, and China.
“Symptoms”
The bites of infected mosquitoes primarily spread chikungunya and can cause a wide range of symptoms. According to the CDC, most infected individuals develop symptoms three to seven days after being bitten.
Common symptoms include fever and joint pain, but headaches, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rashes are also reported. While most recover within about a week, the CDC notes that some may experience joint pain lasting months or longer, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.
The virus has appeared in many parts of the world in past years, with outbreaks documented across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and several islands throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In addition to countries with active outbreaks, the CDC is also monitoring destinations with an “elevated risk” of exposure.
These include Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand.
The CDC reassures travelers and health professionals that there have been no locally acquired cases of chikungunya in the United States or its territories since at least 2019, supporting confidence in current safety measures.
Severe illness remains uncommon, but vulnerable populations face higher risks. The World Health Organization states, “Severe symptoms and deaths from chikungunya are rare and usually occur in young babies or elderly people with other coexisting health problems.”
For travelers heading to outbreak areas, the CDC recommends vaccination and strong mosquito prevention measures. The agency continues to publish country-specific and global health advisories, reminding travelers to stay informed before international trips.
Other recently published advisories include increases in rabies cases in Haiti and India, as well as alerts on polio in Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Kenya, among others.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
