China is currently facing what is believed to be the country’s largest outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus. 

Over 10,000 cases have been documented in China, while several countries throughout Asia and Europe are witnessing near-record high numbers or reporting cases for the first time.

The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for China, urging Americans to take extra precautions when visiting the region. 

However, experts fear the outbreak may have already reached the US.

Dr. Louisa Messenger, a researcher focused on mosquitoes in Nevada, mentioned to the Daily Mail: ‘The outbreak in China is quite alarming. The virus might already have reached the US, being just a plane ride away.’

Chikungunya is primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes, the same species that carry dengue and Zika viruses. 

It is rarely fatal but can cause debilitating symptoms, including fever, joint pain and, in severe cases, life-threatening brain and heart damage. 

Below, Daily Mail reveals everything you need to know about chikungunya virus:

The epicenter is Foshan, a city located on China’s southern coast, where conditions of heavy rain and warm weather have caused a surge in the mosquito population.

What is the situation in China?

China has recorded approximately 10,000 chikungunya viruses this year, and about 3,000 of those have cropped up in the last week. 

Roger Hewson, virus surveillance lead at the UK’s Wellcome Sanger Institute, said the current outbreak in China is the largest ever, Al Jazeera reported.

To combat the spread of the virus, Chinese officials had ordered travelers from Foshan, the epicenter of the outbreak, to undergo a 14-day home quarantine, similar to Covid restrictions, but that has since been withdrawn.

Infected patients are being isolated in hospital wards and covered with mosquito nets. They are required to remain there for a week or until they test negative, if sooner.

Images show Chinese state workers spraying clouds of disinfectant around city streets, residential areas and construction sites where people may come into contact with virus-bearing mosquitoes in or near standing water.

Drones are also reportedly being used to hunt down insect breeding grounds and spray insecticide, and residents are being asked to empty bottles, flower pots or other outdoor receptacles that may collect water.

Failure to comply with any restriction may lead to fines of up to $1,400 (10,000 Yuan) and locals can have their electricity cut off, according to state media.

Is the virus in the US?

The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for China, urging Americans to take extra precautions when visiting the region

The above compares chikungunya symptoms to those from Zika virus and Dengue, which are both also spread by mosquitoes

A small number of cases of chikungunya virus are recorded in the US every year.

As of August 5, the CDC reported 46 cases of chikungunya in the US this year, all contracted by travelers returning from high-risk areas. No deaths have been reported.

It is unclear how many of these could be linked to China’s outbreak. Estimates suggest 1.6million people travel between the US and China every year, with experts saying it only takes one bite from a mosquito on one infected traveler to then pass the virus throughout America.

The US has experienced limited local transmission of the virus previously. In 2014 and 2015 cases were detected in Florida and Texas.

Locally acquired cases in US states and territories have not been reported since 2019, however, according to the CDC. 

What is the CDC saying? 

The CDC is warning Americans to take extra precautions when traveling to high-risk areas. 

In addition to the travel advisory for China, the agency also issued a warning for eight other countries: Bolivia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion, Somalia and Sri Lanka. 

It is advising travelers to wear insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and to stay in places with air conditioning.

Travelers are also been advised to get vaccinated against chikungunya, with two vaccines available that have been approved in the US.

Dr Messenger told this website: ‘People should be concerned about these diseases, wear topical repellents, wear long sleeves, and get vaccinated against them if they can.’ 

The CDC says that pregnant women should avoid traveling to high risk areas because they are at higher risk of complications from the virus.

The above map shows the area in China where US travelers are being advised to take enhanced precautions because of the outbreak

A staff member carries out disinfection work at a hospital amid an outbreak of chikungunya virus in Foshan, Guangdong Province of China

What are symptoms?

About 15 to 35 percent of people infected with the virus are asymptomatic, the CDC reports. 

The incubation period is typically three to seven days and the most common symptom is a sudden onset of a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius).

Other symptoms of chikungunya virus include headache, nausea, rash, muscle aches, swelling and redness of the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye and inner eyelids) and joint pain that is sometimes severe and debilitating in the hands or feet.

In severe cases, life-threatening complications involving the heart and brain can occur such as inflammation, irregular heartbeats and organ failure.

Symptoms usually last seven to 10 days, but patients may experience lifelong complications such as persistent joint pain.

Those experiencing symptoms or who think they are infected with the virus should contact their primary care provider or visit a hospital.

Infections can be diagnosed through a patient history, symptoms, blood tests and serum tests.

How is the disease treated?

There is no specific treatment for chikungunya virus, though there are several options being investigated, according to the CDC.

Doctors instead focus on trying to ease symptoms through rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relief medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol).

For people who continue to experience pain, over-the-counter pain relievers, steroids and physical therapy are typically the course of treatment.  

There are two vaccines available for chikungunya virus and they are recommended for people visiting areas with an outbreak or that may pose a higher risk of infection.