What is Chikungunya? Symptoms and Travel Tips as China Reports 8,000 Cases

Understanding the Chikungunya Virus and Travel Precautions

Health officials are raising awareness about a mosquito-borne virus that can lead to severe joint pain, following a surge in reported cases in China. Over 8,000 instances of chikungunya have been recorded in the country, with most cases concentrated in Foshan city, Guangdong province. This has led local authorities to implement strict measures, including mass quarantines, despite the fact that the virus is not transmitted directly from person to person.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the spread of the virus and has issued updated guidelines for healthcare providers on managing chikungunya infections. According to Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at WHO, an estimated 5.6 billion people across 119 countries are at risk of contracting the virus. In Europe, France has reported 49 cases this year, while Italy has documented two.

Although Europe is not currently facing a major outbreak, health officials are urging travelers to be informed about the virus and the availability of a new vaccine in the UK. Here's what you need to know about chikungunya and how to protect yourself when traveling.

What is Chikungunya and How Is It Spread?

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. It spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be passed from one person to another. The virus has been most commonly reported in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Brazil has seen the highest number of cases in 2025, with over 185,000 reported cases, followed by Bolivia with more than 4,700.

Globally, there have been approximately 240,000 chikungunya cases and 90 related deaths across 16 countries or territories since the start of the year. La Réunion and Mayotte, two French islands off the coast of Africa, continue to experience outbreaks, with La Réunion recording 54,000 cases as of July 2025.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has linked the transmission of dengue and chikungunya viruses in mainland Europe to travelers who contracted the virus abroad and then inadvertently carried infected mosquitoes back to their home countries. This has increased the risk of locally-acquired cases, prompting health officials to remain vigilant.

Symptoms of Chikungunya

The name "chikungunya" comes from a word used by the Makonde people in Tanzania, where the disease was first identified in the 1950s. It translates to “that which bends up,” referring to the contorted posture of those suffering from severe joint pain.

Common symptoms include sudden fever, joint swelling, muscle pain, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and rashes. The joint pain can be debilitating and may last for several days, weeks, months, or even years. Some individuals may not experience joint pain, leading to mild or unrecognizable symptoms.

Most people recover fully from the infection, but rare cases have resulted in complications such as eye, heart, or neurological issues. Newborns and older adults with pre-existing conditions are at higher risk of severe illness. Hospitalization may be necessary for those with serious symptoms due to the potential for organ damage or death.

Once recovered, individuals are typically immune to future chikungunya infections.

Is There a Vaccine?

The UK government has approved vaccines against chikungunya, which contain a weakened form of the virus that cannot multiply. These vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight the virus, producing antibodies to attack it. The vaccine is available via prescription and is recommended for those planning to travel to areas where the virus is present.

There are two types of vaccines: one for individuals aged 18 to 59 and another for those over 12. Hilary Kirkbride, Head of Travel Health at UKHSA, emphasized that preventive measures such as using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets can significantly reduce the risk of infection. She also advised travelers to check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest health updates and consider vaccination if visiting high-risk regions.

A Travel Doctor’s Guide to Preparation

Dr. Richard Dawood, a travel medical specialist at Fleet Street Clinic, explained the importance of the vaccine in preventing chikungunya. He noted that prior to the vaccine’s development, prevention relied solely on insect repellents and precautions. Now, the vaccine offers long-lasting protection and could be considered for frequent travelers.

While the vaccine is relatively expensive, Dr. Dawood suggested that it might be worth considering for those planning to travel to Southern Europe and beyond over an extended period. For short trips to France, he acknowledged that the risk is low, but for those who frequently travel to hot climates, long-term protection could be beneficial.

He emphasized the importance of thorough research before any trip. If an outbreak occurs at your destination, getting vaccinated is highly recommended. Travel clinics can also provide advice on other protective measures, such as avoiding insect bites.

For further information on travel health and safety, consulting a travel doctor or checking reliable sources is always a good idea. Taking the time to seek focused travel health advice can help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.