The CDC has issued a travel warning for Americans heading to China as the country battles an outbreak of chikungunya virus, with thousands of people infected by the mosquito-borne illness.
What is chikungunya? Is it deadly? Here's what to know about the virus. Have any cases been reported in Mississippi so far?
The latest on chikungunya virus cases in China, other countries
China has reported 7,000 cases of chikungunya since initial reports surfaced in early July 2025, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also identified current outbreaks in countries like Bolivia, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. Chikungunya can cause serious problems or death in extreme cases.
What is chikungunya? CDC issues China travel warning amid outbreak
Chikungunya is a virus that causes fever and joint pain, and while rare, it can be deadly.
Other symptoms include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash when bitten by an infected mosquito, according to the CDC. The agency has since released a Level 2 travel warning due to an outbreak in China, which advises travelers to practice enhanced precautions while visiting destinations with outbreaks.
Is chikungunya common in Mississippi and the U.S.?
While not considered especially common in the United States, there have been more documented cases of chikungunya in the U.S. over the past few years.
In 2024, there were nearly 200 travel-related reports of chikungunya, per CDC data. So far this year, the CDC has confirmed 46 cases where travelers tested positive for chikungunya. Locally acquired chikungunya cases have not been reported from U.S. states or territories since 2019.
Mississippi reported cases in 2014 and 2015, during previous outbreaks. None have been reported this year.
In 2025, there are 9 reported cases of West Nile Virus, another mosquito-borne illness in humans. No WNV deaths have been reported.
Two cases of other mosquito-borne illnesses were reported in the Aug. 1 Mississippi Department of Health report, but no county was listed. The report didn't clarify which illnesses were diagnosed. This category includes La Crosse encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, Eastern Equine encephalitis, Malaria and Dengue. All cases of Malaria and Degue are considered travel-related unless the department indicates new information.
Is chikungunya different from the Zika virus?
Yes. While both diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes, they come from two different types of viruses (chikungunya is an Alphavirus, while Zika is a Flavivirus), according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Clinical symptoms of Chikungunya fever and Zika fever are also similar, but chikungunya symptoms are generally more severe than Zika symptoms.
Symptoms of the chikungunya virus
Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The CDC says that symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Joint swelling
- Rash
How to prevent chikungunya
In addition to CDC travel warnings, vaccination is recommended for travelers visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak, and travelers should also try to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, staying indoors, or using repellent.
However, federal officials recommended in May 2025 pausing chikungunya vaccines in those over 60 due to adverse reactions.
Alex Perry is a Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Contact them at ALPerry@gannett.com.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: What is chikungunya? Is it deadly? Are any cases in Mississippi? More on virus outbreak
