Mosquito bites turn deadly after chikungunya virus cases cross 240,000, CDC issues urgent travel warning over spread from China to the world
CDC sounds the alarm as China battles chikungunya surge
Foshan, a major city in Guangdong, has recorded over 7,000 confirmed cases since June. Chinese authorities held an emergency conference last month to strategise prevention efforts and promised to release early warnings through all available platforms to curb the spread.
Global cases cross 240,000, where else is it spreading?
The 2025 chikungunya outbreak is not limited to China. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, over 240,000 people across the globe have been infected, with 90 fatalities reported so far. Other nations battling active outbreaks include Bolivia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion, Somalia and Sri Lanka.
🚨Chikungunya Outbreak in China's Guangdong Province: Over 7,000 cases of the Chikungunya virus, transmitted by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes, have been reported. Foshan City is the most affected, prompting urgent government measures. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, muscle… pic.twitter.com/r3XT9G8Eag
Additionally, countries like Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand and Nigeria are now being flagged as high-risk zones, even though official outbreaks have not yet been declared.
What exactly is chikungunya?
First identified in Tanzania in 1952, chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The disease shares several symptoms with dengue and Zika but can escalate more severely in vulnerable individuals. The World Health Organization estimates 5.6 billion people globally are at risk of contracting arboviral infections such as chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever.
Symptoms that should not be ignored
Health experts describe chikungunya symptoms as sudden and intense. The CDC outlines high fever, joint pain and swelling, muscle aches, headaches and skin rashes as the most common signs. Although most infections resolve within two to 12 days, some patients, particularly the elderly, newborns, and those with pre-existing health issues—may experience life-threatening complications including cardiovascular or neurological distress.
Is there a cure or vaccine?
Currently, there are no antiviral treatments available. Doctors usually prescribe medications to manage fever and joint pain. Two vaccines have been approved but are not yet widely accessible. A U.S. vaccine was paused in May due to adverse event reports.
With no definitive cure and a rising death toll, prevention remains the most powerful defence.
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