What is chikungunya virus? How many circumstances in Ohio? Extra on newest outbreak

• The CDC issued a journey warning for China attributable to a chikungunya virus outbreak, advising vacationers to take precautions.
• Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus inflicting fever, joint ache, and different signs, which may be extreme.
• While not widespread within the U.S., practically 200 travel-related chikungunya circumstances have been reported in 2024, with one Ohio case in 2025.

The CDC has issued a travel warning for Americans heading to China because the nation battles an outbreak of chikungunya virus, with 1000’s of individuals contaminated by the mosquito-borne sickness.

What is chikungunya? Is it lethal? Here’s what to know in regards to the virus, and what number of circumstances have been reported in Ohio thus far.

The newest on chikungunya virus circumstances in China, different nations

China has reported 7,000 circumstances of chikungunya since preliminary reviews surfaced in early July 2025, however the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has additionally identified current outbreaks in nations like Bolivia, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. Chikungunya could cause severe issues or loss of life in excessive circumstances.

What is chikungunya? CDC points China journey warning amid outbreak

Chikungunya is a virus that causes fever and joint ache, and whereas uncommon, it may be lethal.

Other signs embrace headache, muscle ache, joint swelling, or rash when bitten by an contaminated mosquito, in line with the CDC. The company has since launched a Level 2 travel warning attributable to an outbreak in China, which advises vacationers to follow enhanced precautions whereas visiting locations with outbreaks.

Is chikungunya widespread in Ohio and the U.S.?

While not thought of particularly widespread within the United States, there have been extra documented circumstances of chikungunya within the U.S. over the previous few years.

In 2024, there have been nearly 200 travel-related reports of chikungunya, per CDC information. So far this 12 months, the CDC has confirmed 46 circumstances the place vacationers examined optimistic for chikungunya. Locally acquired chikungunya circumstances haven’t been reported from U.S. states or territories since 2019.

Ohio has seen one reported case of chikungunya in 2025 as of July 29, 2025, in line with the Ohio Department of Health. The case was reported in Franklin County. ODH reviews three chikungunya circumstances within the Buckeye State since Aug. 1, 2024.

Other travel-associated mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria have seen much more reviews (38 circumstances) amongst Ohioans.

Is chikungunya totally different from the Zika virus?

Yes. While each illnesses are transmitted by mosquitoes, they arrive from two various kinds of viruses (chikungunya is an Alphavirus, whereas Zika is a Flavivirus), in line with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Clinical signs of Chikungunya fever and Zika fever are additionally related, however chikungunya signs are typically more severe than Zika signs.

Symptoms of the chikungunya virus

Symptoms of chikungunya often start 3–7 days after being bitten by an contaminated mosquito. The CDC says that symptoms can embrace:

• Fever
• Joint ache
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Joint swelling
• Rash

How to stop chikungunya

In addition to CDC journey warnings, vaccination is beneficial for vacationers visiting an space with a chikungunya outbreak, and vacationers must also attempt to keep away from mosquito bites by carrying long-sleeved shirts, staying indoors, or utilizing repellent.

However, federal officers beneficial in May 2025 pausing chikungunya vaccines in these over 60 attributable to antagonistic reactions.