CDC Issues Chikungunya Virus Travel Alert for China

A new health alert has waved a red flag, especially for Michigan travelers. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) just issued a Level 2 travel advisory for parts of southern China, due to a fast-spreading outbreak of the chikungunya virus.
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What Is Chikungunya and Why It Matters

Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is causing thousands of cases in Guangdong Province, particularly in Foshan. Since June, Chinese health officials have reported 7,000 confirmed cases, and the global counts have soared to over 240,000 infections with 90 deaths this year. It is a serious warning that the mosquito threats are far from just being seasonal.

Symptoms and Long-Term Effects

This virus isn't new, but the symptoms are pretty awful. Fever, intense joint pain, headaches, muscle aches, rash, and even swelling.

Most people who contract the virus recover within a week, but joint pain can linger for weeks or even months.

How to Stay Safe When Traveling

The CDC is urging U.S. travelers to practice enhanced precautions, which include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying inside air-conditioned and screened environments.

Vaccinations are available to protect from the virus. The U.S. has approved two chikungunya vaccines, one for adults and another for ages 12 and older. There are some safety considerations, though, especially for those who are over 60. These concerns are being evaluated currently by the CDC.

China's Response to the Virus

Similar to pandemic tactics, the Chinese government isn't taking any chances by deploying drones to locate any breeding sites and sending out sanitation squads spraying insecticides.

They're also releasing mosquito-eating fish and predatory "elephant mosquitoes" and enforcing fines for stagnant water in homes.