The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Notice, urging American travelers to take enhanced precautions against the chikungunya virus, which is currently spreading in Cuba. Health experts have emphasized the importance of using insect repellent and protective clothing to prevent infection, as the virus is transmitted by the same mosquitoes that spread Zika and dengue. While the CDC has not yet established a direct link between the Cuba outbreak and potential cases in the U.S., the risk of infected travelers spreading the virus to the U.S. remains a concern.
The CDC has also highlighted that symptoms of chikungunya typically appear within a week of being bitten, with fever and intense joint pain being the most common manifestations. These symptoms can be severe enough to be disabling and may persist for several months or even years for some patients. The agency warns that individuals with preexisting health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are at a higher risk of developing complications and should take extra precautions.
This travel alert comes amidst growing concerns about the spread of the virus globally. Previous outbreaks have occurred in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans. The CDC notes that the risk of infected travelers spreading the virus to unaffected areas, including the U.S., remains a significant concern. In response to the outbreak in China, which reported over 10,000 cases, authorities implemented measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic, including expanded PCR testing and quarantine protocols. The outbreak also spread from Foshan to Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Guangxi through travel-linked cases.
Dr. James McDonald, State Health Commissioner for New York, has urged New Yorkers traveling internationally to take precautions, emphasizing that while no locally transmitted cases of chikungunya have been reported in the state, the risk of travelers bringing the virus back remains a concern. The CDC has also provided specific recommendations for American travelers, including advising pregnant women to be especially cautious, as the virus can be passed from mother to newborn at birth, and infections in infants can be very serious.
The CDC recommends that travelers take steps to manage symptoms, such as rest, fluids, and pain medications, though there is currently no cure for the virus. A vaccine, VIMKUNYA, is available for people aged 12 and older to prevent infection. Health experts advise that if travelers develop symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain while abroad, they should seek immediate medical attention and disclose their recent travel history to healthcare providers. The agency also encourages all travelers to follow best practices, including avoiding mosquito bites by using repellent and wearing protective clothing, to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.