Travellers planning to visit southern China have been urged to exercise caution following a sharp rise in locally transmitted cases of chikungunya, also known as chikungunya fever. The outbreak, concentrated in Guangdong’s Foshan city, has led to over 6,900 cases in 2025 alone, with the United States issuing a Level 2 travel health alert and Japan flagging regional concern.

Chikungunya, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is a viral infectious disease that currently has no specific cure. While most infected patients exhibit mild symptoms such as high fever, rashes, and joint pain, Chinese authorities warn that long-term complications—including chronic joint inflammation—may affect some sufferers.

In response, the Chinese National Health Commission dispatched senior officials to Foshan on 2 August to oversee containment efforts. Local health departments have also released a formal advisory listing four key precautions: using mosquito repellents, wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothing, installing insect screens, and eliminating stagnant water sources to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

United States and Japan Sound Alarm Over Virus Spread

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised its travel advisory to Level 2, advising travellers to Guangdong—particularly Foshan—to take strict anti-mosquito precautions. The CDC also highlighted that two chikungunya vaccines have been approved for use in the United States, and encouraged high-risk travellers to consider vaccination before departure.

Japanese media, citing Hong Kong sources, reported that over 90% of Foshan’s cases are located in the Shunde district. This comes after Hong Kong confirmed its first chikungunya case of the year—a 12-year-old boy returning from Foshan who developed fever upon his return.

The Japanese Consulate-General in Guangzhou has urged residents and visitors to avoid exposing skin while outdoors and to minimise unnecessary travel to affected zones.

Health Officials Warn of Long-Term Impact and Lack of Cure

Despite no reported deaths or critical cases so far, Chinese officials have published a formal chikungunya after-effects notice, warning the public of potential chronic complications. Symptoms such as prolonged fever over 39°C, severe joint pain, and skin irritation could persist or evolve into more serious conditions in some patients.

The Guangdong provincial government reported that from 27 July to 2 August, an additional 2,892 new local cases were confirmed—2,770 of which originated from Foshan. This is in addition to 4,824 earlier cases logged this year, pointing to a sudden and sustained surge in community infections.

Authorities continue to work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), while increasing surveillance in affected areas and ramping up public education campaigns. As summer travel continues across Asia, travellers are reminded that insect-borne diseases in Asia remain a serious health risk, particularly in densely populated urban centres.