U.S. Issues Travel Warning as Disease Spreads

After a recent breakout of a mosquito-borne virus in China, the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a travel warning to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Like the United States Department of State does with its extensive list of travel advisories, the CDC regularly issues travel advisories, as well, warning travelers about disease outbreaks and other health-related issues around the world.

This week, the CDC issued a warning to travelers about an outbreak of chikungunya in a region of China.

What is Chikungunya?

First identified in people sickened during an outbreak in Tanzania in 1952, chikungunya is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. While it mostly causes mild symptoms and the majority of those who contract the virus recover quickly, it does have potentially severe symptoms.

While the disease is rarely fatal, some people can experience severe and debilitating joint pain that could even last several years. 

"Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3–7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness," the CDC states.

"People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare."

Patients who become severely ill as a result of the virus often require hospitalization because of the risk of organ damage.

Where is the Outbreak?

In its travel advisory, the CDC warned that it has seen a rapid increase in the virus in Guangdong Province, located in southeastern China. More specifically, the CDC states that most cases have been reported in Foshan City.

The Guangdong Province has reported over 7,000 cases since the start of July. Over 60% of the cases of chikungunya have occurred in Foshan.

The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for China as a result of the outbreak, with an emphasis placed on Guangdong Province. The advisory warns travelers to "practice increased precautions" when traveling.

Health officials have become concerned about how the disease has spread through China.

“What makes this event notable is that chikungunya has never been established in mainland China before,” César López-Camacho of the University of Oxford said in a statement via the Associated Press. “This suggests that most of the population had no preexisting immunity, making it easier for the virus to spread quickly.”

How to Prevent the Virus

The CDC suggested a few ways for travelers to keep themselves safe from the virus if they do choose to travel to China.

"You can protect yourself by preventing mosquito bites, which includes using insect repellent; wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants; and staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on the windows and doors," the CDC wrote in its advisory.

The best way to protect yourself, the CDC states, is vaccination.

"Vaccination is recommended for travelers who are visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak. Two chikungunya vaccines are approved for use in the United States," the CDC's advisory states.

The CDC warns to "seek medical care immediately" if you develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash during or after travel.