Southeast China Remains Chikungunya Area of Concern

The WHO's Disease Outbreak News, published in early October 2025, reconfirmed that Chikungunya virus disease is a global situation and has recently impacted the People's Republic of China.

In China, a total of 16,452 locally transmitted Chikungunya cases have been reported in Guangdong Province.

According to the WHO, this represents the largest documented Chikungunya outbreak to date in China.

The cases have been reported in 21 cities, primarily in Foshan City (10,032), Jiangmen City (5,209), Guangzhou City, Shenzhen City, Zhanjiang City, Zhuhai City, and Zhongshan City.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated a Level 2 Travel Health Notice regarding Guangdong Province, where mosquitoes spread the virus that causes Chikungunya.

The CDC advises visitors to this section of southeast China to protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Vaccination is recommended for travelers who are visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak.

Additionally, the CDC says if you are pregnant, reconsider travel to the affected areas, particularly if you are close to delivering your baby. In general, vaccination against Chikungunya should be deferred until after delivery.

Regarding the duration of effectiveness of the new Chikungunya vaccines, Valneva SE, one of the producers, reported positive antibody persistence data four years after vaccination with a single dose of its Chikungunya vaccine IXCHIQ®. 

In the United States, Chikungunya vaccination services are commercially offered at travel clinics and pharmacies.