CDC Issues Travel Health Notice on Chikungunya: What Travelers Should Know

Why Health Agencies Issue Travel Alerts

Health notices are a normal part of modern travel. Their purpose is not to create alarm, but to give travelers clear, transparent information so they can make informed decisions. Organizations such as the CDC and the Pan American Health Organization track global disease trends and issue guidance when patterns shift.

Recent reports show an increase in chikungunya cases across several countries in the Americas since late 2025. In some places, the virus had not been seen for years. As numbers began to rise, regional health officials issued an alert to strengthen monitoring, improve preparedness, and expand mosquito control efforts.

Mosquito-borne illnesses tend to follow seasonal and environmental patterns. When mosquito populations increase, transmission can rise as well. Because of this, travel guidance shifts over time to reflect current conditions rather than staying fixed.

If you would like to review the full alert directly, you can read it here:
Epidemiological Alert Chikungunya February 2026

What Is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites rather than person-to-person contact. It typically causes fever and joint pain beginning three to seven days after exposure, though symptoms can also include headache, muscle aches, swelling, or rash.

Most people recover within about a week, but lingering joint discomfort can persist for months or longer in some cases. Deaths are rare, yet older adults, newborns, and individuals with underlying health conditions face higher risk of severe illness.

Because there is no specific antiviral treatment, prevention and symptom management remain the primary strategies recommended by public health authorities.

Where Travel Notices Are Emerging

Recent chikungunya advisories span multiple regions, reflecting the virus’s broader geographic presence rather than a single isolated outbreak.

• In parts of South America, including Bolivia, outbreaks have prompted CDC travel notices in recent years.

• Suriname and neighboring territories have reported renewed transmission after nearly a decade without confirmed cases.

• Seychelles and several other destinations currently appear on international outbreak monitoring lists.

What this means in practical terms is not an automatic cancellation of travel plans.

Travel notices are designed to inform, not alarm. In most situations, guidance centers on prevention steps such as mosquito protection rather than advising travelers to avoid a destination altogether, unless risk levels are especially elevated.

Why Public Health Agencies Are Paying Attention

Between January and December 2025, more than 500,000 chikungunya cases were reported worldwide across dozens of countries and territories, highlighting how widely the virus continues to circulate.


Mosquito-borne illnesses like chikungunya often 
have a greater impact on vulnerable populations, particularly in places where access to healthcare is limited.

Tracking outbreaks helps health authorities respond more effectively by supporting:

• Early detection and rapid response

• Prepared clinical care and treatment planning

• Public awareness efforts

• Coordinated mosquito-control initiatives

Practical Prevention That Actually Matters

For travelers, the most effective protection remains surprisingly simple and accessible:

• Using insect repellent

• Wearing long sleeves and pants when appropriate

• Staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodations

• Avoiding mosquito exposure at peak times

• Vaccination is recommended by the CDC

These measures significantly reduce risk exposure and are widely recommended by health authorities.

For most people, staying aware and taking a few simple precautions is enough to manage risk comfortably. Knowing where outbreaks are occurring, understanding how transmission works, and preparing accordingly helps turn uncertainty into confidence.

Ultimately, the purpose is not to discourage exploration. It is to support thoughtful travel, where curiosity and preparation go hand in hand.

FAQ: CDC Issues Travel Health Notice on Chikungunya

Should I cancel travel because of chikungunya alerts?


Not necessarily. Most notices recommend precautions rather than avoidance. Individual risk tolerance and medical advice should guide decisions.

How serious is chikungunya infection?


Symptoms are usually short-lived, though joint pain can linger. Severe outcomes are uncommon.

Is it contagious between people?


No. Transmission occurs through mosquito bites.

Can I get vaccinated?

Vaccination decisions depend on destination and health factors. Consult a provider before travel.

Is this outbreak unusual?


Fluctuations in mosquito-borne diseases occur periodically, and current increases reflect expected regional cycles rather than unprecedented spread.