Where Are Chikungunya Cases Coming From in 2025

Before 2006, chikungunya fever infections were rarely identified in the United States. However, starting in 2014, cases of chikungunya began to appear among U.S. travelers returning from affected regions in the Americas.

Local transmission of the virus has since been documented in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

As of August 19, 2025, there have been 50 reported travel-related cases in the U.S.

Last year, 199 cases were confirmed.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted several countries where travelers are acquiring this mosquito-borne disease.

The CDC has issued a chikungunya travel health notice for outbreaks in Bolivia, China, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, France, the Department of Mayotte and Réunion, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Brazil is leading all countries in the region with over 204,000 cases in 2025.

The CDC recently wrote that international travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. And, if you are pregnant, you should reconsider travel to the affected areas, particularly if you are close to delivering your baby.

"The CDC recommends chikungunya vaccination for travelers going to areas with current outbreaks, and also for people traveling to regions or countries with elevated risk—particularly if they'll be staying for six months or longer," Jeri Beales, MSN, RN, BS, informed Vax-Before-Travel. 

"This is especially true for individuals who are older and have chronic conditions like diabetes." 

"The list of countries and regions with ongoing outbreaks and elevated risks changes frequently, so be sure to seek advice from a travel clinic or physician's office that specializes in travel health before your trip," added Beales, with Destination Health Travel Clinic in the greater Boston, MA area.

Currently, two chikungunya vaccines are approved for use and commercailly in the U.S. at certified travel clinics and pharmacies.