The Spread of Chikungunya in China and Global Concerns
A mosquito-borne virus known as chikungunya has begun to spread across China, prompting a wave of public health measures and concerns about its potential global impact. This outbreak, which has already surpassed 10,000 cases, has now reached Taiwan, marking a significant development in the region’s health landscape.
Taiwan’s health authorities confirmed the first case of chikungunya fever in the country. The infection was identified in a woman who had recently returned from Foshan, a city in Guangdong Province that has become the epicenter of the outbreak. She arrived back in Taiwan on July 30, raising alarms among local health officials.
In Guangdong, at least 12 other cities have reported infections, with approximately 3,000 new cases recorded in the past week. The total number of cases in the province has now exceeded 10,000. In response, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Guangdong, urging Americans to take extra precautions when visiting the area.
Experts are worried that the virus may already be present in the United States. Dr. Louisa Messenger, a mosquito researcher based in Nevada, stated that the outbreak in China is highly concerning and could potentially have already reached the U.S. “It’s just one plane flight away,” she said, highlighting the risks associated with international travel.
Chikungunya is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the same species responsible for spreading dengue and Zika. While the virus is rarely fatal, it can cause severe symptoms such as high fever, joint pain, and in some cases, life-threatening complications involving the heart and brain.
The current outbreak in China is the largest on record, according to reports from Al Jazeera. A global surge in cases began in early 2025, with major outbreaks reported in the Indian Ocean islands of La Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has noted around 240,000 chikungunya cases and 90 related deaths in 16 countries as of August 4.
The virus has also spread to Madagascar, Somalia, Kenya, India, and parts of Europe. Cases are rising in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji, and Kiribati. As of August 5, the U.S. CDC has recorded 46 cases of chikungunya in the U.S. this year, all contracted by travelers returning from high-risk areas. No deaths have been reported.
While it remains unclear how many of these cases are linked to China’s outbreak, experts estimate that 1.6 million people travel between the U.S. and China each year. This high volume of travel increases the risk of the virus spreading further, as a single infected traveler could introduce the disease to new regions.
In addition to the advisory for China, the CDC has issued warnings for nine other countries, including Bolivia and Sri Lanka. The U.S. has previously experienced limited local transmission of chikungunya, most notably in 2014 and 2015 after cases were detected in Florida and Texas.
Infections are most common in Asia, Africa, and South America, but recent cases have also emerged in Europe and the U.S. During a major outbreak between 2004 and 2005, nearly half a million people were infected, with the virus spreading across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Dr. Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer with the World Health Organization, has warned that the current situation resembles previous outbreaks. “We are seeing history repeating itself,” she said, referring to the scale of the earlier epidemic.
The CDC is urging Americans to ensure they are vaccinated if they are at increased risk of exposure. Elevated risk notices have been issued for Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and now China.
Travelers are advised to take preventive measures, such as using insect repellent, wearing long clothing, and staying in air-conditioned or screened accommodations to avoid mosquito bites. Those experiencing fevers, joint pain, or rashes should seek medical attention for testing.
To combat the spread of the virus in China, officials have implemented strict measures, including a 14-day home quarantine for travelers from Foshan. Although this measure has since been withdrawn, infected patients are still isolated in hospital wards and covered with mosquito nets. They must remain there for a week or until they test negative.
Chinese state workers have been seen spraying disinfectant in city streets, residential areas, and construction sites where mosquitoes may breed. Drones are being used to locate and eliminate breeding grounds, while residents are encouraged to remove outdoor items that could collect water.
Failure to comply with these restrictions can result in fines of up to $1,400 (10,000 Yuan), and in some cases, electricity may be cut off. The acute phase of the illness typically lasts one to two weeks, but joint pain can persist for weeks, months, or even years in some individuals.
Newborns, seniors over 65, and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing serious complications, including cardiovascular issues and, in some cases, Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure triggered by post-viral inflammation.
Importantly, chikungunya cannot be transmitted directly from person to person. Instead, it spreads when an infected mosquito bites an individual and then transmits the virus to another person. Pregnant women who contract the virus near the time of delivery can pass it to their babies, leading to severe illness in newborns.
There is currently no antiviral treatment for chikungunya, but symptoms can be managed with rest, hydration, and pain relief medications like acetaminophen.