Chikungunya Travel Alerts Expanded in the Americas, China, Indian Ocean

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has called for enhanced surveillance, improved clinical management, and effective vector control to tackle localized chikungunya outbreaks in various countries throughout the Americas.

As of August 28, 2025, the simultaneous circulation of arboviruses, such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika, raises the risk of outbreaks, severe complications, and fatalities among vulnerable populations.

According to a new PAHO epidemiological alert, 14 countries in the region reported a total of 212,029 suspected chikungunya cases and 110 deaths, with more than 97% occurring in South America.

In comparison, 2024 saw 431,417 reported cases and 245 deaths.

As of August 9, 2025, the most significant chikungunya outbreaks have been concentrated in Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay, as well as in parts of the Caribbean.

These chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks are associated with the Asian and East/Central/South African genotypes, marking a shift in the pattern observed since 2014.

The PAHO states that the CHIKV cases reported in the Indian Ocean region, Europe, and Asia also increase the risk of reintroduction and further spread into new areas with conditions conducive to transmission.

Separately, the U.S. CDC recently issued Level 2 Travel Health Advisories for CHIKV outbreaks in the the Indian Ocean region and China in 2025.

The CDC recommends vaccination for travelers visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak. Before traveling abroad, vaccination services are available at many clinics and pharmacies in the United States.