CDC encourages travelers to take enhanced precautions, get vaccinated, and prevent mosquito bites in affected areas, with special warnings for pregnant individuals.
Map of Guangdong Province, China
Image credits: CDC
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel advisory (Practice Enhanced Precautions) for Guangdong Province, China, following an outbreak of chikungunya, with most cases concentrated in Foshan city.1
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral illness marked by fever, joint pain, headache, muscle aches, swelling, and rash. While most patients recover within a week, some experience persistent joint pain lasting months to years. Severe illness is more likely in newborns infected around delivery, older adults, and individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes or heart disease.1
The CDC recommends vaccination for travelers to outbreak areas and stresses mosquito bite prevention measures, including repellent use, protective clothing, and staying in screened or air-conditioned environments. Pregnant travelers are advised to reconsider travel, as infection near delivery can result in neonatal transmission and severe illness. Although vaccination is generally deferred until after pregnancy, providers may weigh the risks and benefits in high-exposure scenarios. Clinicians are advised to review updated vaccination guidance and evaluate travelers promptly if they develop fever, joint pain, or rash during or after returning from China.1
The CDC issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Guangdong Province, China, after a chikungunya outbreak, with most cases in Foshan.
Vaccination is recommended for travelers to outbreak areas, though pregnant individuals are advised to reconsider travel due to neonatal transmission risks.
Clinicians should review updated vaccination guidance and counsel travelers based on risk factors, destination, and planned activities.
In related developments, the FDA suspended the license for Valneva’s chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ, on August 25, 2025, after four new serious adverse events resembling chikungunya-like illness were reported outside the United States. The cases involved three adults aged 70–82 years (one hospitalized, later discharged) and one 55-year-old. Valneva stated the events were consistent with prior observations, especially in older recipients, and confirmed it will continue distributing the vaccine in regions where it remains licensed.2
Meanwhile, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported record levels of mosquito-borne disease activity across Europe. On World Mosquito Day (August 20, 2025), officials confirmed 27 chikungunya outbreaks, including the first locally acquired cases in France’s Alsace region. France has documented 111 cases across 22 clusters, while Italy has reported 7 cases across 5 clusters. West Nile virus cases are also rising across eight countries, including France, Greece, Italy, and Romania, with transmission expected to peak in late summer.3
Together, these updates underscore the dual challenges of outbreak prevention and vaccine safety monitoring, while highlighting the increasing role of climate change in expanding mosquito-borne disease transmission worldwide.
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