The chikungunya virus is once again emerging as a global health concern. The CDC is advising caution due to the increasing number of cases around the world. The CDC has issued travel alerts, particularly for China, which has experienced a significant outbreak with 7,000 reported cases. Data reveals that approximately 240,000 chikungunya cases have been reported this year across multiple regions, including Central and South America, Africa, the Indian Ocean area, and parts of Asia, with 90 fatalities. In the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, over 7,000 cases have been recorded since June 2025. Moreover, Hong Kong has recently reported its first case since 2019.
The CDC has issued a Level-2 Travel Health Notice, emphasizing the need for greater caution when traveling to affected areas, including Bolivia, China’s Guangdong province, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion, Somalia, and Sri Lanka. The CDC is also warning travelers about Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Chikungunya is present in the United States, although infections among US travelers were uncommon before 2006. From 2006 to 2013, an average of 28 people in the United States contracted the virus annually, all of whom were travelers from affected regions in Asia, Africa, or the Indian Ocean. The CDC states that no local transmission of the virus has occurred in the US since 2019. However, 199 and 46 cases have been recorded in 2024 and 2025, respectively, among American citizens who contracted the virus during travel.