CDC issues travel alert for chikungunya outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 Travel Notice advising Americans to 'Practice Enhanced Precautions' after an outbreak of chikungunya was reported in Cuba this week. The advisory cites mosquito transmission (the same Aedes mosquitoes that spread Zika and dengue), clinical risks—especially severe, sometimes chronic joint pain and risks to newborns—and notes reports of chikungunya activity elsewhere, including recent large outbreaks in China; travelers are urged to use repellents, wear long sleeves and seek care if symptomatic.
Health
International
🔍 Key Facts
- CDC issued a Level 2 Travel Notice advising enhanced precautions for travelers to Cuba (this week).
- Chikungunya is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and causes fever and intense joint pain; pregnant women face risks of mother-to-newborn transmission.
- The article references a recent China outbreak with over 10,000 cases in late August and notes reports that chikungunya may have been detected in the U.S., though no direct link is confirmed.